York County Tech hires Brian Hanson as head coach
Spending time as an assistant football coach at York County Tech, Brian Hanson knows some of the program's history.
It has been a difficult place to keep coaches. No head coach has stayed at the program beyond two seasons since Charlie Troxell returned for his third year in 2004. So for a decade, the head spot has been strictly a two-year gig.
Moreover, the lone winning season for the Spartans during the last decade came in 2009, when the club went 6-4.
After an unexpected opening, Tech named Brian Hanson head coach Monday, the fifth head coach at the program since 2008. But Hanson hopes to change Tech's recent history.
"I've always wanted to be a head coach, that's been the No. 1 goal," Hanson said. "And to be honest, I wanted to get it done at Tech."
An alternative education teacher, Hanson said he was attracted to Tech because of its diversity. Hanson pointed out he likes the mix of students, which come from rural, suburban and city backgrounds.
A 1996 Susquehannock graduate, Hanson, 37, transferred back into the area after playing his senior season in football at Ephrata High School. Hanson walked on at Pitt, and he spent two seasons coaching in indoor football before spending the last three seasons at Tech. A resident of Dallastown, with sons aged 5 and 7, Hanson served as Tech's junior high head coach before being promoted to varsity assistant last season.
Hanson replaces Matt Glennon, who was with the program two seasons — including a 1-9 mark in 2014. Notified of the opening about a week ago, Hanson pursued the head job.
Hanson sees no reason why the Spartans won't enjoy success, pointing to advice Naval Academy head coach Ken Niumatalolo gave at a coaching clinic for the triple-option offense Hanson attended in the spring.
Niumatalolo noted Navy doesn't win because of its offensive scheme or strategy. Hanson recalled him telling coaches, Navy wins because of its culture.
"That's my goal," Hanson said. "We can change the culture, with our focus points being discipline and accountability from players and staff. If that goal is met, I firmly believe we can have success."
Tech will continue to run the triple option under Hanson, "with a few of my own wrinkles."
Just expect a more veteran team this season. Hanson noted probably half of the players on the field during certain plays for the Spartans were freshman and sophomores last season.
Hanson's hiring marks the eighth head coaching change in YAIAA football this offseason.
Contact Jim Seip at 771-2025.
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