Ozona High School has a new head football coach and athletic director.

It's Robert Hernandez, formerly of District 29-1A member Rocksprings.

Six members of the Crockett County CCSD school board Wednesday evening unanimously approved to bring him on. Hernandez was one of three candidates interviewed.

"It's Robert's personal demeanor, personal characteristics, his connection with kids," superintendent Chris duBois said. "We felt his style of dealing with kids would be met with more acceptance right off the bat. They'll be able to identify with his motivations and background."

Hernandez has been head coach at Rocksprings in each of his 10 years at the school, and the team played Ozona in non-district games and scrimmages earlier in his tenure, he said Tuesday.

Hernandez, who could not be reached Wednesday, said he did not have his record at Rocksprings, which went 7-2 last year. Hernandez said the furthest he advanced at Rocksprings was the Class 1A regional quarterfinal round.

Ozona participates in District 4-2A, along with Crane, Alpine and Kermit.

Hernandez replaces Matt Gutierrez, who resigned coaching and athletic director duties May 28 and stayed as dean of students. Ozona went 3-17 in Gutierrez's two years at the helm of the program, including last season's 0-10 mark.

Hernandez's total compensation is $70,000, duBois said, adding that he is scheduled to sign a contract and begin working Friday.