Gig Harbor High hired Aaron Chantler as its football coach, replacing Darren McKay, who was fired last month.
The 2002 Wilson High graduate, who played quarterback for the Rams, is excited for the opportunity, his first as a head coach.
“This is one of the premier coaching jobs in the state with the tradition, success and community support,” said Chantler, who accepted the position Friday afternoon. “If you could capture Texas football in Washington, Gig Harbor comes pretty darn close to it with its community support.”
Chantler has spent the past six season as an assistant coach at Wilson, most recently as co-offensive coordinator. However, in the upcoming fall season he was going to be quarterbacks coach at Auburn High, where future father-in-law Gordon Elliott is the coach. Chantler, 28, will marry Elliott’s daughter and Wilson High volleyball coach Jenna Elliott in July.
Chantler said he will also teach at Gig Harbor and he expects to meet with players for the first time next week.
“I’m excited to get started,” he said. “Being a head coach has been my dream and to coach at a school the caliber of Gig Harbor is phenomenal.”
doug.pacey@thenewstribune.com 253-365-2975 blog.thenewstribune.com/preps @DougPaceyTNT