For the sixth time in eight years Whitwell High School is looking for a new head football coach.
Dan TierneyDan Tierney, who had been the Tigers' coach the last two seasons, has been fired upon the recommendation of Marion County director of schools Mark Griffith.
"I'm very disappointed in Mr. Tierney," Griffith said. "Two years ago when that hire was made I thought it was the best fit for Whitwell High School. Unfortunately in the last couple of days it has become clear that he wasn't the right choice. So I have decided to recommend to the board that he not be given tenure or hired back."
Griffith added that Tierney had not broken any laws and that as far as he is concerned the matter is now closed. He added that the decision was also not related to the team's on-field struggles last year.
Tierney took over at Whitwell in the spring of 2009, finishing 4-6 that season but following it up by going 1-9 last year. With a revolving door of coaches, the Tigers last made the postseason in 2005 and haven't had a winning record in seven years.
"Really all I can say is I thought I was acting in the best interest of my team but it turned out to be a mistake on my part," Tierney said. "I'm very hurt by all this but I'll get over it and we'll move on.
"I do want to make it clear that I was not looking for another job and never have since I've been here. We love this area and have made it our home and I want to continue to coach in this area but without tenure, it will have to be outside of Marion County."
Whitwell principal Josh Holtcamp said he expects to begin interviewing candidates for the job by next week and plans to have a new coach in place before the start of spring practice.