It’s been 23 days since Tom Moore resigned at Warren County to take the Hillwood High School job. If preliminary timetables are still intact, a new coach could be on the horizon soon.

Following Moore’s resignation, Warren County High School athletic director Todd Willmore relayed that the school would like to have a coach in place before spring break. Willmore is hopeful that will still happen.

“Our goal is to have some decisions made by the end of the week or the first of next week,” said Willmore. 

Warren County schools will be off March 18-22 for spring break.

While some wondered if the opening for the Pioneers may be tough to fill due to the 6A competition, Willmore noted applications came rolling in the same day Moore resigned. The total number was estimated to be in the 25-30 range.

The list is currently being whittled down, with interviews already taking place. Willmore has been joined by WCHS principal Jimmy Walker and school board member James Bennett in the interviews. Director of Schools Bobby Cox is expected to sit in on interviews when the panel decides on finalists.

Willmore confirmed more interviews will take place this week

“We have narrowed it down a little bit after three days of interviews,” said Willmore. “Just like with any position, whether it’s athletics, academics or in the business world, some applicants may not be applicable to the position. We’ve narrowed from there and are still working.”

Moore left after four years with the Pioneers. Warren County was 8-34 in his four years, with just one region win - a 13-7 victory over Coffee County in 2016. 

Following a rejected proposal to the TSSAA to move down to 5A in November, Warren County cemented its spot in the Murfreesboro region for two more seasons. The Pioneers will still play Oakland, Blackman, Riverdale and Siegel, along with new Rutherford County school Rockvale.

The Daily New Journal first reported Rockvale will visit Warren County Friday, Sept. 6 for both team’s first region game. Willmore confirmed the addition to the schedule (the full 2019 schedule is shown avove).

The first order for the new football coach will be organizing spring practice. The Pioneers can have 10 organized practices during a three-week stretch starting May 1.