Allman takes Westlake offer

Caught between dream jobs, Darren Allman couldn't make a decision based on logic alone.

His gut told him it was time to leave.

Allman, who has been the head coach and athletic coordinator at Permian since 2005, was named the head football coach and athletic director at Austin Westlake Wednesday night on the strength of a unanimous vote by the Eanes Independent School District Board of Trustees.

"Every time I've taken another job, there was some uncertainty involved," Allman said. "I've always just followed my gut feeling, and it's always worked out well."

Allman will replace longtime Chaparrals head coach Derek Long, who retired Jan. 29 after taking Austin Westlake to the fourth round of the 5A playoffs a year ago.

After two visits and a series of negotiations that were completed on Wednesday, Eanes ISD superintendent Nola Wellman made her recommendation to the school board at Wednesday's monthly meeting. Wellman did not return repeated phone calls this week and instead issued a press release late Wednesday.

"Coach Allman has a stellar background and experience at the 5A level in an intense environment," Wellman's press release stated. "I think he will be a great fit at Westlake High School and will advance the commitment to excellence to which we are dedicated."

Allman cited several reasons for his decision, although he would not discuss the financial terms of the contract.

First and foremost, Allman said, Austin Westlake is a community that only has one high school.

"From a coach's standpoint and a father's standpoint, you have to think good things about a community with great schools where everything is focused toward the same school," Allman said.

In addition to the advantages of a one-school community, Allman sees a challenge at Austin Westlake. He wants to take the Chaparrals to the next level.

 And he hopes this is the last move his family has to make.

"We are tired of moving," Allman said. "We hope this will be the last."

Allman said he expects to take some of the Permian coaching staff with him to Austin Westlake, although the rest of the coaching staff won't make any decisions until much later.

Permian's players found out about Allman's decision in an emotional meeting on Wednesday afternoon, and the rest of the community followed suit.

"From a campus standpoint, it will be a tremendous loss," Permian principal Roy Garcia said. "He has been a difference maker for our kids."

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 THE DARREN ALLMAN ERA

>> Record: 38-11

>> Playoff Record: 6-3

>> Undefeated Regular Seasons: 2007, 2008

>> District Titles: 2007, 2008

>> Regional Playoff Appearances: 2006, 2007, 2008