The search is underway for DeKalb County’s next head basketball coach, the new hire having to fill the shoes of the second winningest coach in Tiger history.

“We will continue the search until we find the right one,” declared Director of Schools Patrick Cripps, pointing out the notice was just put out last Monday but they have already gotten several applicants. “We will start vetting them right away.”

The search began after Lynus Martin resigned following this past season after 16 years at the helm of the Tiger basketball squad. He amassed a 276-203 record as head coach, making him the second winningest coach in history behind former Coach Harold Luna.

“It has been an honor to represent both the school district and DeKalb County. I can’t say enough about how much all of your support has meant to me and our program,” the coach wrote in his resignation which was tendered late last month “After lots of thoughts and prayers, I’ve decided that it is in my best interest to resign my basketball coaching position at this time, effective immediately at the end of this school year. For many years Tiger basketball has been my number-one priority, but as life progresses, circumstances change, and at this time, I felt it necessary to refocus much of my energy to my family and other avenues of life”

Martin will remain on in a teaching capacity at the school.

Cripps said there is no time table for hiring the next coach, noting making the right choice is better than making the quick choice.

“It’s important that we find the right coach, one that has character and pushes academics to the forefront,” Cripps said. “We want our students to be winners off the court as well as on the court so we want a leader that can accomplish that.”

The hire will have to be Okayed by the board of education once a recommendation is made. The candidate will have to clear background checks and have to have the qualifications as listed on the job announcement.