Maine East didn’t go far to find its new football coach.
Blue Demons athletic director Steve Schanz announced Tuesday that the school hired Scott Smith to take over the program for Gabe Corey, who retired following the fall season. Smith was Maine East’s defensive coordinator for the past two seasons under Corey. He teaches driver’s education at Maine East and physical education at Maine South.
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“He was our main in-house guy, and he went out and took it during the interview process,” Schanz said. “He understands Maine East and our community pretty well. His knowledge of our school and football program is a huge advantage for him.”
Schanz said Smith won the job over more than 30 applicants, eight of whom were invited in for interviews.
“I’m excited for the opportunity,” said Smith, who’s worked in District 207 since 2013. “Gabe did outstanding things here, and he was a great asset to this high school. I want to take the next step. There still is a lot of work to be done. I want our team to be competitive week in and week out.”
Maine East is Smith’s second job as a head coach. He led Niles North for seven seasons from 2005-2011. He went 22-41 during his time with the Vikings, doubling the team’s win total from the previous seven seasons. Smith’s lone winning season came in 2008 when the Vikings finished 5-4 but missed out on the playoffs.
Smith’s other high school coaching experience includes stretches at St. Viator and Prospect, where he was on the staff for the Knights’ 2001 Class 7A state championship.
“We wanted someone with head coaching experience and someone who had a reputation of turning programs around and putting them in the right direction,” Schanz said. “We felt Scott was the best fit for us.”
Corey heads into retirement after 15 seasons as Maine East’s head coach, which was spread over two stints. He was in charge from 1994-2002 and then again from 2009-2014. Corey was 27-109 and never took the Blue Demons to the playoffs. The last time Maine East was in the postseason was in 1977 under Al Eck.
Smith said he understands the challenges he faces going forward.
“First, we need to improve our numbers,” Smith said. “That’s been a concern here. I also want football to be fun for them. I want them to enjoy being part of something they will remember for a lifetime.”
Twitter: @harnesspreps