North will have a new Head football coach for the 2015 season

A committee from Shawnee Mission North is currently interviewing five prospective coaches from the Olathe, Lansing, Mill Valley and Blue Valley school districts, according to Athletic Director George Sallas.

“The committee, who is made up of myself, Principal Richard Kramer, Associate Principal Annette Gonzalez, and two others, will interview two coaches on Monday, two more coaches on Tuesday, and the final one on Wednesday,” Sallas said. “After the last interview on Wednesday, we will get together and pick the top two coaches they liked best and bring them back in for a second interview the following week.”

Former freshman head coach, Ben Bartlett, stepped in as the interim head coach in July. He is one of the candidates.

Bartlett led North to a 2-8 record.

“Bartlett has a very legitimate chance of staying,” Sallas said. “After the interviews, the committee will talk about what they heard and see who is the best fit for Shawnee Mission North.”

Some players don’t want Bartlett to leave, but others want him too.

“We can’t worry about kids who would sacrifice their career because the coach they want isn’t there,” Sallas said. “We have pick the coach who we think will help the most.”

This will be the third Head football coach North has had in the past four years.

“It’s difficult trying to figure out who is best for North,” Sallas said. “A younger guy like Bartlett with less experience? Or an older guy with more experience? Hopefully we will pick the right person to change the program around.”