[Hoot Gibson]

IMO, it would be a very bad idea not to hire from within Johnson Central's staff. A staff that has been a big part of 6 recent 4A state finals appearances should not be disrespected by being passed over for promotions. In the past, not hiring from outside the system was a mistake because politics played too big of a role in Johnson Central sports but everybody familiar with the history of Johnson Central's football program with any sense at all knows how difficult it is to build and maintain a successful program. 

Anybody who is advocating hiring a new head coach from outside the JC program should try to place themselves in the shoes of a key staff member. How would you feel seeing the current system scrapped by hiring a new head coach who has not been a part of the two-state championships and four runners-up seasons that you helped the team to achieve? If your many years of hard work as a poorly paid assistant football coach and the hard work of your fellow staff members means nothing to the district, then how motivated would you be to maintain that same level of effort and serve on the new coach's staff? I would be polishing up my resume if I ever wanted to become a head coach. If I had no desire to be a head coach at another school, I would strongly consider focusing on my teaching career and spending more time with my family instead of working the extra hours as an assistant coach.

Johnson Central has what may be the best stable of running backs in the state returning next season. It also has one of the top offensive line coaches in the state. Next season is not the time to demoralize the staff by not hiring one of their own and giving them a shot at winning a state title in their first year as a head coach.