Dorris to be recommended as Sandpoint's next football head coach

SANDPOINT — While it is still not official, the Bulldogs appear to have found their next big dog from within the pack.

Sean Dorris, who performed wonders as the defensive coordinator last fall, will be recommended as Sandpoint High School's next football head coach by Sandpoint athletic director Jack Dyck at an upcoming school board meeting.

"He is very qualified in all areas," said Dyck. "Not only is he an outstanding coach, he is an outstanding teacher."

From a football standpoint, Dyck said Dorris' resume speaks for itself.

Dorris, who played football for the Vikings, graduated from Coeur d'Alene in 1989. He went on to play for the University of Montana where he was a three-year starter. As a Grizzly, Dorris made the all-conference team twice and was named an All-American in 1991. After graduation, Dorris took his shot at the NFL, but was waived by the Houston Oilers. In 1993, he became an assistant linebacker coach at the University of Montana.

"My experience at Montana was great and I learned a ton," added Dorris, who later returned to Coeur d'Alene where he spend six years as the defensive coordinator before coming to Sandpoint.

"He comes very highly recommended and has a great knowledge of the technical aspects of the game," said Dyck.

"This is something I've very excited about," said Dorris. "It has always been my aspiration to become a high school teacher and a high school coach in a town that is football crazy. I'm blessed and fortunate to have this opportunity."

With a great group of kids coming up and an excellent staff returning, Dorris believes the program will remain in terrific shape.

"We've been close for the last couple of years," said Dorris, who is eager to build on the success of former head coach Satini Puailoa. "I want to carry on the tradition of Sandpoint football that has been established here."

Dorris wants to place an emphasis on raising the bar another notch by creating more continuity in the program all the way down to the seventh-grade level.

"Basically, I want to keep the kids going in the right direction," he said.