As soon as the news broke on Nov. 14th that Matt Swinnea would be retiring, the hunt began to find a new head football coach. On Tuesday, it was announced that one of the Redhawks’ own, assistant football coach Chip Gregory, would be promoted to head coach.
“Being appointed as the head coach is truly a momentous occasion,” Gregory said. “My first reaction was brimming with enthusiasm. It marks a major milestone, and I am fully prepared to take on the responsibilities.”
Once former coach Swinnea put in his resignation, the application opened up through a job portal. It was then up to Principal Stacy Whaling and the district to work together to find the perfect match for The Nest.
“Athletics at the district level basically vets, what are the qualifications needed to be a head coach in Frisco,” Whaling said. “At that point, they bring me in to go ahead and begin the interview process, and we determine what the best fit is for the campus. That is a group decision with district personnel, with HR, with myself, in order to figure out what the needs of the campus are.”
Gregory has been a part of the Redhawks family for 10 years. While the position was open to all, Whaling saw an advantage to an internal hire.
“You don’t have to build those relationships,” Whaling said. “You can kind of get started on the work because, usually having to build relationships takes time. So you don’t have to take the time to create new relationships.”
Swinea believes his former subordinate has what it takes to succeed at the role.
“Coach Gregory will bring his own unique insight and application of leadership style to the campus and staff and that’s what needs to happen,” Swinnea said. “Loyal to self, to his calling, and to the campus; that’s all that’s required. Oh, that and be good to Wingspan.”
Gregory will not only be the head football coach but also the campus athletic coordinator. With this, Gregory will be in charge of all things sports on campus. He will oversee the budgeting, hiring, and support of 38 coaches and around 500 athletes at The Nest.
“I am fully prepared to take on any challenges that may come with this promotion,” Gregory said. “I have complete trust in our capable administration and am excited to carry on the legacy of past coordinators by leading our athletic programs to success.”
