'I'm beyond blessed': Sean Freeman to lead Tempe High School football program
Sean Freeman is getting another shot at leading a high school football program.
Tempe High School announced Tuesday through the district that Freeman will be its next head coach, pending approval by the Tempe Union High School District's governing board at its Feb. 2 meeting.
That approval is expected to happen, making it official.
Freeman served as defensive coordinator at his alma mater Mesa Westwood last season. He played on Westwood's 2001 state runnerup team.
Following the 2019 season, Glendale Copper Canyon decided not to renew his coaching contract. Freeman led Copper Canyon for two seasons, posting 2-8 and 1-9 seasons but feeling he was about to turn the corner with a program that struggled before he took it over.
Freeman becomes the third head coach in three years at Tempe, but it was Brian Walker, who served as 12 years leading the program before stepping down after the 2020 season, who encouraged Freeman to seek the Tempe job.
"I'm beyond blessed that I get the opportunity to take over such an historic football program in Tempe," Freeman said. "I consider Brian Walker a mentor and friend, so when he called me and told me I was the man for the job, I knew this was the place to be.
"The administration has been great and I can't wait to meet this awesome student body. I'm honestly, grateful and honored to be a Tempe Buffalo."
Tempe Principal Brian Guliford said in a district news release that he's excited to have Freeman on board.
"He brings a level of enthusiasm and energy to our campus that is truly unmatched," Guliford said. "We have a young, hungry team, and I can’t wait to see their success with Coach Freeman.”
Freeman replaces Todd Hanley, who served one season after leaving Flagstaff. The Buffaloes went 0-8 last season.
“It is my sole purpose to revive and unleash a new brand of Tempe High School football,” Freeman said in the news release. “With the help of my staff, our amazing administration, and our community, Tempe Football will be known for hard work and dedication. We will also be known as a program that is respectful, loving, and caring.”
To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Sean Freeman hired to lead Tempe High School football program
