MURFREESBORO – The search for a new football coach is going well.

Chowan University Athletic Director Dennis Helsel said Wednesday morning he was pleased with the on going process that will bring a new Head Football Coach to the school. The Hawks are looking for a replacement for Lorick Atkinson, who resigned for personal reasons after three years on the job.

“We have already received 50 applications,” Helsel said. “There is some quality among them so I’m very pleased with where we are right now.”

According to the AD, roughly one-third of the candidates have head coaching experience at some level between high school and National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1.

The applications will be charted this coming weekend according to experience and other factors.

Helsel and retired Chowan Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Jim Garrison, who has been asked to assist in the search, will then review the applications and narrow them down before they are sent to the search committee.

While the process is proceeding according to the original timeline, which would have a coach in place in April, Helsel has reduced the meetings of the search committee from two to one. They will now meet only the week of March 10 to review the applications.

Helsel said there has been good news for the program as none of the four student-athletes who signed National Letters of Intent have asked to be released from their commitment.

“Coach (Richard) Lage has talked to all of them and they are all coming,” he said.

The coaching staff, which is currently being led by Lage on an interim basis, will be in place for the 2008 season, according to the AD.

“Our coaches have a job through the 2008 season,” Helsel said. “As part of their commitment to conduct spring football, I have promised them a job through the season.”

Helsel said there is a possibility a new football coaching position being added to the staff, if the budget allows. If that spot were added, the new coach would be able to fill that position.

“If any of the three current staff members apply, the same rules would apply to them,” Helsel said.

Helsel said he would continue to review applications in the short term, but a time would come when he would move forward with those who have applied.