Vidalia High School hired former football coach Dee Faircloth Monday to serve in the program’s head spot once again.

Vidalia assistant principal Bernie Cooley confirmed the hiring after VHS received 18 applicants over the past month. Faircloth was previously the head coach from 1968-2009, and has been coaching as a defensive assistant for the past two years.

“He did a great job when he was here. He knows the players and the team. I think it’s going to help a lot,” Cooley said. “He has a fire in his eyes, and he wants to see them do great. He has been an integral part since he has been back.”

Cooley said a committee from the school interviewed nine applicants, and the decision to hire Faircloth was unanimous.

“He really impressed the committee,” he said. “Coaching is in him. He is one of those guys that will probably coach until he dies.”

Vidalia’s first priority, Cooley said, was to hire a coach as soon as possible after previous coach Jeff Hancock resigned in February.

“We will work on the logistics soon,” Cooley said. “We wanted the quickest turnaround for the kids.”

Cooley said there was an announcement for the football team Monday.

“They were ecstatic,” Cooley said. “(The team) is not speculating anymore. They know what to expect now.”

The Vikings ended last season with a record of 3-7.