GHS football coach steps down

Greenfield — Following a winless 2009 season, Greenfield football coach Kevin Murphy resigned Monday.

"There's a lot of talent at Greenfield and maybe (a new coach) can arouse it," said Murphy, who is also an assistant wrestling coach. "My hope is that the replacement is as concerned for the athletes at Greenfield and the school as I've been."

Greenfield, which has not made the playoffs since 2002, the third-longest drought in the NOW coverage area, went 10-40 under Murphy, whose first full season as head coach was in 2005. The Hawks went just 9-34 in the Woodland Conference during Murphy's tenure.

Murphy took over midway though the 2004 campaign when Tom Goral resigned with five games remaining due to health problems. Prior to becoming head coach Murphy spent 15 seasons as an assistant, 10 of those with Greenfield.

He hopes the new football field and facilities, which are scheduled to be in use this fall, and the hiring of a new coach spark a renewed interest in the program.

"The new facility upgrades, that's going to be a turning point," Murphy said. "It's going to change the attitude of the kids when they are playing somewhere they can be proud of."

Greenfield athletic director Rich Lemanski said the job opening had been posted as of Tuesday but that no immediate timeline had been set to bring in a new coach.

"We want a good marriage with a new coach that can last a long time," Lemanski said. "We want to get the very best candidate we can: highest qualified, good experience, proven track record. Those are the things we're looking for, that and someone who is student-centered."

Lemanski said he would be thrilled if Murphy remained involved with the football program in some capacity, perhaps as an assistant coach, a move Murphy intends to make provided the new coach has an opening for him on the staff.

"Coaching is in his blood," Lemanski said. "He has given me his heart and soul in everything he's done. He's such a loyal person."

Greenfield becomes the second NOW area school with a head football coaching opening this offseason. Nicolet opted to not renew the contract of Everett Jenkins after his first season with the Knights.