Nearly 60 candidates put their names in the hat for the open head football coaching job at Straughn High School.

Covington County Schools Superintendent Shannon Driver said Wednesday there were between 55 and 60 candidates who applied.

It was announced two weeks ago that head coach Chris Wilson was tapped to lead the Mary G. Montgomery Vikings in Semmes in the 2017 football season.

Wilson replaces former Andalusia head coach Brian Seymore at Mary Montgomery. Seymore was named head football coach at Demopolis earlier this year.

The Straughn job was advertised for a general social science or general science teacher and head football coach. Yesterday was the deadline to apply.

SHS Principal Donny Powell said previously he did not anticipate the coaching vacancy to have an effect on spring practice. Powell was also confident they would find someone who fits with SHS.

Driver said they hope to finalize the coaching hire at the next county board of education meeting, which is set for 5:30 p.m. on Tues., March 14.