Hernando athletics faces overhaul (updated: 4:09 p.m.)

The buzz in Hernando County on Wednesday morning was whether Hernando football coach Rodney Byrd was out. The school had posted his job Tuesday on the Florida High School Athletic Association's Web site.

A new administration at Hernando has started the process of overhauling its athletic department. Hernando principal Ken Pritz won't officially take over until July 1, but already is making decisions that will restructure athletics. He'll replace current principal Betty Harper, who is moving to Deltona Elementary next fall as part of district-wide restructuring.

Pritz already spoke with Byrd, who remains the coach and will lead the Leopards through the spring to finish his 2007-08 supplement. Byrd, who led the Leopards to a 2-8 mark in his only season, could return next fall though it will be left to a committee to decide. Byrd declined to comment and referred all questions to Pritz.

The entire Hernando staff was informed two weeks ago that all supplemental positions, not just sports, are renewable on an annual basis and were publicly posted April 16, meaning people currently in those jobs would be welcome to reapply along with the public.

Hernando icon Ernie Chatman coaches track and cross country and was the athletic director when Pritz coached Hernando's wrestling team. He said this type of move has happened in some form or fashion in past years though it might have caught some people off-guard.

"It gives them an opportunity to evaluate everyone and see what's being done and see if we want to make a change," Chatman said. "I don't mind this. I never mind it. If someone doesn't think I do the job okay, give the job to someone else."

Pritz said all positions have to be posted annually and because he was the new principal he asked human resources to post the jobs. He also added, "if there wasn't a change most people wouldn't notice."

A committee has been put together to help with the football coaching search. Pritz said he would handle many of the other reviews himself.

"I know there's a lot of questions," Pritz said. "The whole supplemental thing has been confusing. ...I don't know that it's all that big of news other than Rodney Byrd has to interview like everyone else."

Pritz also said athletic director Marion Jones likely would not be back next year because he is moving to a  teaching job at another school.

"He's not coming back to Hernando," Pritz said. "He's going to another school site. He won't be the athletic director as of right now next year."
Izzy Gould can be reached at izzygould@gmail.com or (727) 580-5315.