Coordinators, for the most part, never want to stay coordinators. At some point, those years of working behind the scenes while serving as an assistant will create an opportunity for a jump to head coach.

Andy Colgate pondered that scenario. Then he found a new path.

On Tuesday, the Pine Creek defensive coordinator tendered his resignation after agreeing to take the post of athletic director at Coronado.

“As things went along, I didn’t know if I wanted to be a head coach anymore,” Colgate, 35, said. “When I looked at the big picture, I’d rather help coaches become better coaches. Those are the things I can do as AD.”

Colgate, who played football for his dad Paul at Wasson, graduated in 1999 and then earned his bachelor’s degree at Chadron (Neb.) State. He later spent five years at Doherty as an assistant football and track coach before heading to Pine Creek for five years, where he helped the Eagles win two 4A state titles as defensive coordinator.

He’s among the minority of athletic directors without previous experience as a head coach.

“He does have a good coaching background in a variety of sports, and he’s done a lot to prepare himself for this position,” District 11 Athletic Director Dave Eichman said. “The entire perception of an athletic director is different than what it was. Today’s AD is more of an assistant principal with athletic responsibilities. They deal with so much more than just athletics.”

Colgate succeeds David Howard, who retired after the recently completed academic year following 14 years at the post.

Howard’s longevity impressed Colgate, who aspires for long-term success as a Cougar.

“I always thought of all the opportunities out there, this was the one that interested me the most, being an AD at Coronado High School,” said Colgate, who actually got his start at Coronado as assistant wrestling coach in 2004-05. “I looked at the track history of Coronado, and I’m only the fifth AD in school history (Coronado opened in 1970). I’m excited to see what I can do.”

And with that excitement, there are others who hate to see him leave.

“You can’t ask for a better man and a role model for the kids,” Pine Creek football coach Todd Miller said. “He was up front and said he wanted to pursue this opportunity. Of course, part of me was hoping he wouldn’t get the job. I’ll miss the closeness of our friendship, seeing a familiar face every day, but Coronado will be better for it.”

Pine Creek elevated defensive backs coach Aaron Henderson to become defensive coordinator.