Permian football coach Gary Gaines said Monday, despite rumors to the contrary, that Steve Freeman still is with the Panthers' program.

Gaines added that he has spoken with Freeman about the opening at Midland Lee High after the resignation of Randy Quisenberry last week.

"He's inside the coaches' room right now," Gaines said of Freeman, who was helping prepare the coaching plan for the upcoming Spring football practices.

"I have spoken with him about the position because it is a high-profile job and those don't come around too often. And I know that he's spoken with the officials at MISD, but I don't think that any decision has been made yet."

Gaines brought Freeman on board as the Panthers' offensive coordinator, and assistant head coach, along with David Jones, the team's defensive coordinator.

Freeman resigned as the Class 3A Brownwood head coach earlier this offseason.