Crestview will hire new boys basketball coach

Kyle Wright

Florida Freedom Newspapers

Crestview is seeking a new lead Dawg for its boys basketball program.

Crestview principal Ed Coleman confirmed Brian Humphrey will not return as the school's boys basketball coach next year after a five-year tenure on the Crestview sidelines.

"What I can say at this time is coach Humphrey and I have agreed there needs to be a new direction in the basketball program, and that is what we are going to pursue," Coleman said.

Crestview compiled a 62-91 record during Humphrey's five seasons with no state playoff appearances. The Bulldogs went 13-13 in Humphrey's first year, but have been under .500 the past four seasons. Crestview went 6-18 this season and tied for last place in District 1-5A.

"I enjoyed five years being involved in Crestview basketball, and we had a lot of good times," Humphrey said. "I wish them luck to do well next year and hope they do well in the district tournament."

Humphrey played on Crestview's 1985 boys basketball state championship team before taking over the coaching position at his alma mater in 2004.

Coleman said the county-wide school budget situation will be a factor in finding a new coach.

"My problem is we're laying off people, and you can't hire people, either," Coleman said. "It's very difficult to go out in the community and say, ‘Would you like to just coach?' So that's the dilemma we face."