The Skowhegan football team works through a play during a Nov. 16, 2022 practice in Skowhegan. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

The Skowhegan football team will open defense of its Class B title with a new head coach this fall.

Assistant coach Brad Cyr will take over for Ryan Libby, who recently resigned to take an assistant principal job at the school. Cyr, who was promoted on an interim basis, has been an assistant coach at Skowhegan for more than 10 seasons.

“We put the ad out last week and and we accepted applicants,” Skowhegan Athletic Director Brian Jones said. “Brad has been here a long time; he’s been a dedicated assistant coach. He’s worked in the system for a long time and he knows the kids. He knows the personnel. He’s going to do great.”

Added Libby: “Brad’s been my right hand. He’s extremely organized, dedicated. He’s there for the kids. He really puts in the kind of time you’d like to see from a coach and puts in the extra mile. … I’m very excited (for Cyr). I’m glad he was able to take over, because I think it’s great for the kids, and I think it’s a great opportunity for him.”

The hire will become official upon RSU 54/MSAD 54 school board approval in August.

Libby led Skowhegan to the Class B title last fall, the program’s first Gold Ball since 1978. The River Hawks edged Portland 20-14 in the title game. Libby became Skowhegan football coach in 2017, when he took over for Matt Friedman on an interim basis. Friedman left to coach the wide receivers at Husson University in Bangor. He is now the head coach at Mt. Blue High School in Farmington.

While he’s excited to enter his new position, Libby said it’s a bittersweet feeling having to step down as head coach.

“Coaching is a passion,” Libby said. “People do it because they love it. It’s certainly why I did it. The connections you’re able to make with the kids there are extremely unique. There’s not many ventures you get to do where you have those kind of connections. I’m going to miss that piece totally. Once fall rolls around, when people are on the sideline and I’m not, I’m sure it’ll hit me hard. But I’m certainly looking forward to the next steps of my chapter.”

Now, it’s Cyr’s turn to lead the Hawks.

“It was a pretty easy decision to promote Brad,” Jones said. “He’s a natural fit for us. He’s been leading the summer workouts and doing a great job for us.”