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Edwards Says He Will Remain Pasco's Girls Coach

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By CRISTINA LEDRA

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 13, 2008

Although he was at one time interested in coaching the boys basketball team at Pasco, John Edwards says he is staying put as the Pirates' girls coach.

Poncho Broner resigned his position as the Pirates boys coach a week ago and Edwards would be a logical candidate considering he was up for the same job when it was open eight years ago.

"If I had a nickel for everyone who's asked me about that, I could retire," Edwards said.

But Edwards said he is looking forward to this season with a large crop of returning players on the girls team and has told the girls not to listen to any rumors of him leaving because he is not.

The Pirates girls finished with a 6-19 record last season. Edwards was hired as the girls coach two seasons ago for his second turn at the position and was named the Tribune's Pasco County Girls Basketball Coach of the Year after leading the Pirates to a playoff appearance.

So the search is on for a new boys basketball coach at Pasco and Athletic Director Jim Ward said the school is hoping to move quickly on the hire. The ad posted on the Pasco County Schools job board expires early next week and Ward said the school would likely begin interviews shortly thereafter.

At the moment there are no teaching positions open at Pasco High and that could prove to be a challenge in finding a coach.

"It would be nice to get somebody in place so they can do something with the kids this summer," Ward said.

Ward said he wasn't sure who has applied so far, but said that one name he believes is in the mix is Derek Heard, an assistant coach at Orlando Oak Ridge High and former longtime Miami Monsignor Pace assistant coach. Heard, who played at Florida Southern, is also the brother of recently resigned Wesley Chapel girls basketball coach Warren Jones, Ward said. Jones accepted a coaching position at Saint Leo earlier this month.

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