NAPLES | The names of the 7 finalist candidates for the open Barron Collier head coaching job were released after The Naples Daily News requested them in an open records request.
The names include several known coaches from around the state that include former St. Petersburg Shorecrest Prep head coach Phil Hayford, former Cape Coral head coach Brad Metheny, former Arcadia DeSoto County and current East Laurens (GA) head coach Gary Morton. Other names include current Barron Collier assisstant Daniel Pallante, Arvada West (CO) assistanat Brain Hatler and Nazareth (PA) head coach Rob Melosky.
The school hopes to get down to remaining finalist before selecting its next head coach before Spring break. A 10-panel committee will make the final decision.
![Lakeland is just one of three defending state champions from 2023 that will be a part of the new Class 5A in 2024 and 2025. [Myqueal Lewis for FloridaHSFootball.com]](https://i0.wp.com/floridahsfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Ranking-the-new-Class-5A-Districts-featured.jpg?fit=1920%2C1080&ssl=1)
