Grine: Head Coach Candidates. Jobs Open
- By J Grine
- New Mexico High School Football
- 12 Replies
Grine: Head Coach Candidates
The New Mexico change in head coach duties is quietly underway for the 2017 season.
Right now we have three jobs that are open with the possibility of the mentioned-not mentioned possible opening of Clovis High School. It was mentioned by a member that longtime head coach Eric Roanhaus would retire at seasons end. That is still yet to be confirmed.
So this is what we know. Hatch Valley this 4A power will be looking for a new head coach after head coach Jack Cisco retired. The Bears won the 2015 4A state championship along with reaching the 4A semi-finals after a 10-3 season in 2016.
Next, we have the opening of Santa Fe High School, a program that will have to get creative with the hiring of their next head coach. The Demons football program is currently riding a 24-game losing streak dating back to the 2014 football season.
Lastly, the third opening on the board currently is that of the 2016 5A state champion St. Pius X Sartans football program. Longtime head coach San Juan Mendoza has retired from coaching after guiding the Sartans to the State Championship earlier this month. Mendoza, led the Sartans programs from the 1996 season and won two titles, played in three during his tenure.
Top Candidates in the State
AJ Cisco
Background: The offensive coordinator for one of the top offenses in the classification. They have some offensive weapons returning and if they stay in house (I'll say that again) another top candidate to keep things moving.
Andrew Martinez
Background: Another coach that Santa Fe should call (don't wait for these candidates Santa Fe we will list some for you) but the question would he leave the current program (we will say that a lot).
Brandon Darlington
Background: The OL coach for the 6A state champions is another that is likely to stay with the program but Santa Fe could throw the house at a title winning coach that needs to start from ground zero.
Chad Roanhaus
Background: The one time head coach of New Mexico Highlands and two time champion Robertson Cardinals. Could he possibly make the move to Santa Fe and design from ground (I know likely not) however on the list especially if Clovis opens.
Chris Howe
Background: Rio Rancho is hands down the top program in the state for 6A football right now. Howe, another that would likely stay put for another high profile job in the Albuquerque Metro area but an interview for practice with the wishes for Santa Fe could be there. Another one that you should see his name is at St. Pius X. I know they are likely to stay in house but in all honesty this would be my first call.
Eric Lucero
Background: The DC for the Estancia Bears is one of the under the radar candidates on the list but the stats show that he could be one to consider. Santa Fe, we have another for you to call. Would he take the drive that way is another question (yup I said that again for Santa Fe)
Jason Salas
Background: The Bulldawgs defense could be one of the more underrated in the state this past season. Salas is another that will wait but if another 6A opens or maybe Hatch Valley this could be another name.
Jeff Hoffman
Background: The OL for the Cleveland Storm he has orchestrated some of the top OLs in New Mexico with several players at the next level.
Jeff Willingham
Background: Willingham is likely to stay with the orange of Artesia but the defensive coordinator should be a candidate for any opening this season.
John Roanhaus
Background: The Belen DC is starting to get his recognition and likely to continue building the Eagles into a power next year, will be one this year and in the future.
Louis Howell
Background: Defensive coordinator for the Hatch Valley Bears. Howell, if the Bears stay in house could have an advantage with the job.
Word on the Street
Clovis High School - waiting on confirmation if coach Roan has retired.
Hatch Valley High School - Cisco and Howell right now if you are staying in house. No word at this point.
Santa Fe High School - Handful of coaches they could call however they will likely wait and wait is what they will do. No word on candidates yet.
St. Pius X - Another school that has retired a state champion HC. No idea if in-house or what direction with this job though.
Current Openings for HC jobs in NM
The New Mexico change in head coach duties is quietly underway for the 2017 season.
Right now we have three jobs that are open with the possibility of the mentioned-not mentioned possible opening of Clovis High School. It was mentioned by a member that longtime head coach Eric Roanhaus would retire at seasons end. That is still yet to be confirmed.
So this is what we know. Hatch Valley this 4A power will be looking for a new head coach after head coach Jack Cisco retired. The Bears won the 2015 4A state championship along with reaching the 4A semi-finals after a 10-3 season in 2016.
Next, we have the opening of Santa Fe High School, a program that will have to get creative with the hiring of their next head coach. The Demons football program is currently riding a 24-game losing streak dating back to the 2014 football season.
Lastly, the third opening on the board currently is that of the 2016 5A state champion St. Pius X Sartans football program. Longtime head coach San Juan Mendoza has retired from coaching after guiding the Sartans to the State Championship earlier this month. Mendoza, led the Sartans programs from the 1996 season and won two titles, played in three during his tenure.
Top Candidates in the State
AJ Cisco
Background: The offensive coordinator for one of the top offenses in the classification. They have some offensive weapons returning and if they stay in house (I'll say that again) another top candidate to keep things moving.
Andrew Martinez
Background: Another coach that Santa Fe should call (don't wait for these candidates Santa Fe we will list some for you) but the question would he leave the current program (we will say that a lot).
Brandon Darlington
Background: The OL coach for the 6A state champions is another that is likely to stay with the program but Santa Fe could throw the house at a title winning coach that needs to start from ground zero.
Chad Roanhaus
Background: The one time head coach of New Mexico Highlands and two time champion Robertson Cardinals. Could he possibly make the move to Santa Fe and design from ground (I know likely not) however on the list especially if Clovis opens.
Chris Howe
Background: Rio Rancho is hands down the top program in the state for 6A football right now. Howe, another that would likely stay put for another high profile job in the Albuquerque Metro area but an interview for practice with the wishes for Santa Fe could be there. Another one that you should see his name is at St. Pius X. I know they are likely to stay in house but in all honesty this would be my first call.
Eric Lucero
Background: The DC for the Estancia Bears is one of the under the radar candidates on the list but the stats show that he could be one to consider. Santa Fe, we have another for you to call. Would he take the drive that way is another question (yup I said that again for Santa Fe)
Jason Salas
Background: The Bulldawgs defense could be one of the more underrated in the state this past season. Salas is another that will wait but if another 6A opens or maybe Hatch Valley this could be another name.
Jeff Hoffman
Background: The OL for the Cleveland Storm he has orchestrated some of the top OLs in New Mexico with several players at the next level.
Jeff Willingham
Background: Willingham is likely to stay with the orange of Artesia but the defensive coordinator should be a candidate for any opening this season.
John Roanhaus
Background: The Belen DC is starting to get his recognition and likely to continue building the Eagles into a power next year, will be one this year and in the future.
Louis Howell
Background: Defensive coordinator for the Hatch Valley Bears. Howell, if the Bears stay in house could have an advantage with the job.
Word on the Street
Clovis High School - waiting on confirmation if coach Roan has retired.
Hatch Valley High School - Cisco and Howell right now if you are staying in house. No word at this point.
Santa Fe High School - Handful of coaches they could call however they will likely wait and wait is what they will do. No word on candidates yet.
St. Pius X - Another school that has retired a state champion HC. No idea if in-house or what direction with this job though.
Current Openings for HC jobs in NM