VIDALIA — Ferriday High School didn’t have to look very far for a new football coach.

The Concordia Parish School Board announced Chad Harkins, who coached the Huntington football team before the school closed in May, as the Trojans’ new head coach Thursday.

When the matter of hiring a coach for Ferriday was raised during the personnel portion of the school board meeting, board member Fred Butcher asked if the person listed in the personnel items was Ferriday High School Principal Michelle Bethea’s recommendation.

Superintendent Loretta Blankenstein replied that the person on the list was her recommendation.

When Butcher asked why the district could not readvertise the position, Blankenstein said the district’s attorney had advised against readvertising.

Butcher said he would rather vote with the principal’s recommendation.

Board member Ricky Raven made the motion that Harkins be hired as a teacher and football coach, with board member Martha Rabb seconding the motion.

Raven noted that the board has not always voted based on a principal’s recommendation.

Those who voted to hire Harkin included board members Darlene Baker, Daryl Price, Rabb, Raven and President Gary Parnham.

Those who voted against hiring Harkin included Butcher and board members Martha Campbell and Raymond Riley.

Harkins coached the Hounds for five seasons before the school closed due to declining enrollment. Before Huntington, Harkins coached football for Block High School.