New Richmond begins coaching search

New Richmond High School began a search for a new football coach Monday after losing two-time Southern Buckeye coach of the year Dan Scholz to Oak Hills High School.

Scholz, who compiled a record of 37-14 in five years at New Richmond including two league title and an appearance in the state playoffs, accepted the head coaching job at Oak Hills on Saturday.

Oak Hills is Ohio’s largest high school with an enrollment of 3036 according to the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Scholz replaces Kurry Commins who resigned following a 4-6 season in 2011. Oak Hills is a member of the Greater Miami Conference with Colerain, where Scholz was an assistant coach before being hired at New Richmond.

“We will begin the search for a new head coach today,” said New Richmond superintendent of schools Adam Bird.

"We are thankful for the time, energy and passion Coach Scholz gave to the student-athletes of NRHS. NR Football has a legacy and tradition of success and Coach Scholz did a great job adding to that tradition. We wish him success as he moves on to another challenge."

Scholz has been in high school coaching since 1994. He was at Dublin-Scioto from 1995-2000 and coached under Kerry Coombs at Colerain from 2001-2006 before taking over at New Richmond.

“Thanks for all of the support from all of the people who made New Richmond football a special place,” said Scholz.

“My 5 years of being the head football coach in New Richmond have been very good and rewarding. I would not have the opportunity to go to such a school as Oak Hills, and to coach in the biggest public school league in the city of Cincinnati, if it were not for the hard work and dedication of the NR assistant coaches and players that have played these last five years.”

New Richmond lost only five league game during Scholz’ five seasons as coach and hasn’t lost to a SBAAC school since Oct. 16, 2009.

“I believe the football program has a great foundation, and the players know that their leadership is needed now to continue on what we have built. Knowing that there are 10 players who have started at some point on both offense and defense, the 2012 Lions should be ready to continue to win championships and finally get to the undefeated season we have been pursuing.”

Oak Hills superintendent of schools Todd Yohey believes his selection committee picked the right coach to make Oak Hills competitive in the GMC.

"Our selection committee wanted a coach who had a vision for not only our high school program, but also middle school and our community youth teams," said Yohey. "We also wanted someone with a strong coaching background and experience who can build on our current foundation and begin a winning tradition for our community. Coach Sholz met all of our expectations and we look forward to a new direction at Oak Hills."