Basketball, Swimming in Need of Varsity Coaches; Search Continues
By Greg Chung ‘08
News Staff Reporter
As of now, the athletic department is still searching for new coaches to replace Mr. Timlin and Mr. Burns who will be leaving next year. According to Ned Gallagher, the Director of Athletics, candidates from both within and outside of the school are being considered.
“Depending on which approach we take, a lot of people are potentially getting involved and that slows things down,” explained Ned.
Mr. Burns who has been coaching Choate swimming for 27 years retired at the end of this past season. Mr. Timlin on the other hand who has been the head coach for basketball, will return to Choate in the 2007-08 school year after a year-long leave to teach in Spain for “The School Year Abroad Program.” Whether Mr. Timlin will return to coaching is more of his decision rather than the Department’s, according to Mr. Gallagher
In order to find potential candidates, Mr. Gallagher has been working closely with the Mr. Farrell, the Dean of Faculty, who is in charge of the overall hiring process of the Choate faculty. “If someone is joining the faculty next year and has other capacities, that certainly something we should look into,” said Mr. Gallagher, “it is crucial to look at all the possibilities so it will take longer than you might otherwise like.” Mr. Farrell also understands the weight of this position as head coach and feels the same with Mr. Gallagher about the lengthy selection process.
In selecting a candidate for a position dealing with some of the best athletes in the school, the Athletic Department is expecting someone who is well organized and knows the. Most importantly, the department is interested in someone who is well-connected and has a vast network in the “sports world.” By this, head coaches are expected to be active with the admissions office because they may have a role in attracting qualified athletes to Choate as well as to guide athletes to the next level in college placement or other leagues. Among all these qualities a head coach holds, he or she is not required to obtain a teaching position.
