The Arp school board took back a former local hero Monday night when it voted to hire Randy Copeland as an assistant principal at Arp High School.

Copeland, Jacksonville Independent School District's athletics director for the past five years, was expected to hand in his resignation to Jacksonville superintendent Stuart Bird this morning.

Copeland was 32-6 as Arp's head football coach from 2000-2002, leading Arp to two of its most successful seasons, including 13-1 and 12-1 seasons in 2000 and 2001, respectively.

He began coaching the Jacksonville Indians in 2003 and in five seasons was 25-29. His best season was 2004, when the Indians went 10-3. His worst season was 2005 when the Indians finished 1-9, thanks to an ineligible player that cost them several forfeits (The Tribe would have finished the regular season at 6-4 and made the playoffs). Jacksonville finished 3-7 last season.

Copeland said he's pretty sure his coaching days are over. He left the coaching ranks once before, but returned 14 years ago.

"This is just an opportunity to go in a different direction," Copeland said. "It's an opportunity to learn and grow as an administrator.

"Jacksonville has been good to me and my family. We have enjoyed our time here," Copeland said Tuesday morning on his way to officially turn in his resignation and meet with his coaches.

JISD officials will begin the search for Copeland's replacement immediately.

"It's my understanding that it (Copeland's hiring) will go before the board (Arp ISD trustees) tonight (Monday)," Bird said.

Bird expected to have Copeland's resignation early this morning, and post the athletics director position "as soon as he puts the letter in my hand."

Maidens head basketball coach Tony Harris will serve as interim AD, as he did before Copeland was hired, Bird said.

"My hope is to start going through applications in 10 to 14 days and have a short list of candidates by the last week of February," Bird said. "I'd like to start interviewing candidates the first week of March and have a replacement to present to the board by the March meeting."