By John R. Schirmer
News-Leader staff
The search for a new Scrapper football coach is underway after Mike Volarvich was told last week that his contract will not be renewed for 2024-25.
Superintendent Doug Graham said the opening was posted Monday, Dec. 4, on the Arkansas Activities Association website. “I hope by Christmas break to have some viable applicants,” he said.
Volarvich was notified Nov. 28 that his contract would not be renewed, according to Graham.
“Coach Volarvich will be allowed to finish his 2023-24 contract in a different capacity if he chooses,” Graham said.
“Change is hard. Personnel matters are always tough decisions,” Graham said. “Obviously, there’s nothing personal involved. The most gut-wrenching part centers around his kids. I wish them all the luck in the world. I hope he’ll find the right spot and wish him great success in the future.”
Volarvich came to Nashville in January 2015 after serving as offensive coordinator at Henderson State. The Reddies set national passing records during his tenure.
In Volarvich’s first season at Nashville, the 2015 Scrappers went 15-0 and won the Class 4A state championship.
Overall, Volarvich was 86-27 (76 percent) in nine seasons at Nashville. He averaged 9.6 wins and three losses per season.
The Scrappers competed in the state playoffs eight of the nine seasons and posted a quarterfinals three-peat in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Last year’s team advanced to the Class 4A semifinals, where the Scrappers fell to eventual state champion Malvern. They were 10-4 on the season.
This year’s Scrappers (8-4) defeated Crossett in the opening round of the state playoffs, then lost to Central Arkansas Christian in round two.
As the coaching search begins, Graham said there is no front-runner for the position. “Contrary to lots of discussion, we don’t have someone in our back pocket lined up. We’ve advertised the opening, and we will take applications until the job is filled.”
Graham said he will name a committee of administrators “to sit in on interviews before I go to the board with a recommendation.
“I anticipate a good pool of qualified candidates. A search like this is always interesting. It never happens as quickly as we want it to,” Graham said.
“This is a very important position for our school and community. We will do our due diligence and try to get the best candidate to continue our great level of success,” Graham said.
