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Polk County’s search for a new head football coach will move into the next phase in early January.

Polk County Schools Superintendent Aaron Greene said Monday that the application period for those seeking to replace longtime head coach Bruce Ollis, who announced last month his intent to retire in June, ended Friday.

A search committee comprised of district staff and community members will begin interviewing candidates in early January, Greene said, with the district looking to make a hire as early in 2023 as possible.

Ollis served as Polk County’s head coach for 18 seasons, compiling a 150-72 record with six conference championships.