After four years as head football coach of the Mavericks, Lee Penland has decided to step down and take an administrative position with the district.

“After coaching for 29 years, I feel like I have knowledge to help other people and help with athletics,” Penland said in an Austin American-Statesman article.

Penland was 6-34 in his four years with the Mavericks ending the 2013 season with a 2-8 record. This move not only means an end to Penland’s coaching career with the Mavs, it also signifies an end to his coaching career as a whole which started back in 1985.

So where do the Mavs go from here?

“I think the new coach needs to be respectable,” sophomore Hayden Cooper said. “The kind of person that a team wants to win for. The kind of coach that will expand the playbook but make it simple enough for the whole team to get the big picture.”

Cooper started as varsity quarterback and finished the 2013 season with 1778 yards and 13 touchdowns.

“The new coach needs to be able to deal with the diversity our team brings forth,” sophomore Matthew Wright said. “I want a coach that’s a winner.”

Ultimately the new coach won’t be hired by the players. That job is reserved for Mr. Yonker, who will be assisted by RRISD Athletic Director Dwayne Weirich.

“We are looking for someone with a successful background, experience in a large school setting, and a proven record in turning programs around, ” Weirich said “The coach needs to have the personality to bring kids in.”

Whoever the new coach is, he will have a lot of work to do next year. As for Coach Penland, I wish him the best in his future endeavors.