Peabody High ended a three-month search for a varsity boys basketball coach yesterday, officially appointing long-time assistant Domenic Coleman to the post.
"I'm very excited," said Coleman. "This is the next step on the (coaching) ladder, and it's a step I'm ready for. We'd like to continue taking the program to the next level."
Coleman takes over for PHS dean of students Chris Mastrangelo, who coached the Tanners for 11 seasons and stepped down in mid-May to spend more time with his family. He guided Peabody to seven straight MIAA tournament appearances from 2001-2007, including the 2002 Greater Boston League title and Division 1 North final.
"I'm very happy for Dom — absolutely ecstatic," said Mastrangelo.
The other finalists for the job were former Peabody High player and current Bishop Fenwick assistant John Dullea, and former St Mary's of Lynn standout Thad Broughton (a Peabody native).
In the end, Coleman's experience and familiarity with Peabody High and its program won out.
A Salem High and Salem State College graduate, Coleman has coached at Peabody High for nine years while working as freshman coach, junior varsity coach and associate head coach. He's also a member of the school's health and physical education teaching staff.
All told, Coleman brings more than 14 years of high school coaching experience to the Tanners. He assisted Brian Bagley at Swampscott High for five years before joining Mastrangelo's staff in 1999.
"I owe a big thank you to Brian for giving me my start and a great foundation for what coaching high school basketball is all about," said Coleman. "I also want to thank Chris for the opportunity to work with him all these years."
The Tanners are coming off of a 7-13 season that saw 15 of their 20 games decided by 10 points or less. Second-leading scorer Mark Linehan (8.3 points per game) and Brad Piza will be the captains this winter.
It's too early to tell if Coleman's staff will make changes in terms of hoops style or strategy. One thing that won't change is a focus on academics.
"I always focus on education. They are students first and athletes second," Coleman said. "I'll always ask kids, 'What did you learn today?' or 'How was class today?'
"I love that opportunity to support the kids when they're not in basketball mode."
