Longtime Hillsborough assistant Eychner applies for Brandon job

Posted Feb 16, 2012 by Bill Ward

Updated Feb 16, 2012 at 03:15 PM

A late applicant for the opening of Brandon head football coach is a stunning one: veteran Hillsborough defensive coordinator Dean Eychner.

Eychner, who has been the Terriers’ defensive coordinator for the past 17 seasons and has always said he is content working as an assistant for head coach Earl Garcia, submitted an application for the Brandon job after being contacted recently by the school.

Garcia said Eychner has been capable of being a head coach long before now but believes the timing could be right for his longtime assistant because of Eychner’s experience and close proximity to Brandon High.

“I would hate to lose him because after 17 years, Dean is more than an assistant coach, he’s a family member,” Garcia said. “I whole-heartedly support him making the move. It would be just what the doctor ordered for Brandon.”

Eychner is one of 37 applicants for the Brandon position vacated by John Lima, who despite leading the Eagles to the playoffs four of his six seasons there, was not re-hired as coach.

Another interesting applicant for the Eagles job is former Fort Meade head coach Mike Hayde, who was 117-35 in 11 seasons as the Miners’ head coach and in 2008 led them to the state runners-up title in Class 1A.

Brandon athletic director Tibor Kovacs said Thursday the school has already begun panel interviews with several of the candidates.