[Update: Louis Nightingale has decided to not coach the Apache Junction High School's football team. "Just found out Coach Nightingale changed his mind and will not be coming to AJUSD. No details yet. Should know something about someone else soon," Sally Marks, public relations specialist, said in a March 3 e-mail.]

Louis Nightingale has been hired as the new head football coach for Apache Junction High School, 2525 S. Ironwood Drive.

Coach Nightingale was one of nine candidates interviewed for the position in an extensive search that included local and out-of-state candidates. He has a history of developing winning student athletes on and off the field, as well as several years of grid-iron expertise.

“I have worked in six different football programs and that has given me a chance to learn the goods and bads of high school football so I would like to use those experiences to better AJHS,” said Coach Nightingale.

AJHS’ new coach said he had his eye on making a move and he really liked the idea of working in a small community where he would have the opportunity to make a positive difference.

Even though his official start date will be in the 2020-21 school year, he is taking the time to be on campus to get to know the students and will also be offering clinics and practices with the students this spring and through the summer.

“Coach Nightingale brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to AJHS,” said Norm Hoefer, girls soccer coach and assistant athletic director for Apache Junction Unified School District. “He has been successful in both small and large football programs and we are very happy to have him become a Prospector.”

Registration for all new students who wish to enroll in AJUSD schools is being accepted online for all school locations. For more information about AJUSD or its schools or departments, go to ajusd.org.

Editor's note: Sally Marks is AJUSD's public information officer.