Schreiner’s search to start its football program was posted in February this year. Interest was high initially, with Director of Athletics Bill Raleigh, in an interview with Dave Campbell's Texas Football, saying he received an estimated 70 applications the first week after the position was posted. At least one of the four coaches mentioned in this piece as candidates to be Schreiner’s head coach was a finalist.

However, the search process hit a snag, and Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has confirmed that Raleigh is restarting the process. Sources close to the situation indicate the search will begin in earnest on Wednesday, May 22.

Sources indicated last month that Schreiner had landed on three finalists, and a decision was expected soon. The rumored finalists included McMurry defensive coordinator Will Snyder, Texas A&M-Commerce special teams coordinator, chief of staff, camp director Dr. Jack Welch, and Hendrix offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Russ Phillips. 

It is unknown why Raleigh chose to restart the process. Initially, sources indicated Welch turned down an offer to become the head coach, and Snyder was no longer in contention for the position. Phillips was the remaining finalist, but sources indicate he was not contacted for the position after Welch turned down the offer.

One name to watch who could be the favorite if he is interested in the position is Ottawa (Ariz) head coach Mike Nesbitt. The former head coach at West Texas A&M from 2013 to 2016 started the OUAZ program at the end of April 2017. Nesbitt has led the Spirit to two Sooner Athletic Conference titles and two appearances in the NAIA playoffs during his six seasons. 

Raleigh initially stated his goal was to have a coach by the end of the school year. While that timeline has passed, this search will likely move quicker if Raleigh plans for the Mountaineers to play a junior varsity schedule in 2024. 

Some Texas Wesleyan boosters are unhappy with administration after head coaching search

Last Thursday, Texas Wesleyan designated former UTSA coach Brad Sherrod as the program’s second head coach since restarting football in 2017. While the reception to Sherrod's selection has been positive, some boosters are unhappy with how the administration handled the search.

Sources indicate the disgruntled boosters believe the administration led them and the coaching staff to believe an internal candidate would be the choice. Many around the program believe the rest of the coaching staff remained with the Rams after Joe Prud’homme announced his resignation because they thought the hire would be internal.

While it is unknown if Sherrod will change the coaching staff three months before the season begins, it is understandable that he’d want at least some coaches of his choosing during the season. The challenge for any coach released from their contract is finding another position with little time remaining in the offseason.

Fair or not, it’s now Sherrod’s responsibility to repair any relationship damaged by the search with boosters. His ability to repair damage and build relationships with new donors will be imperative, with Texas Wesleyan raising funds to build an on-campus facility.