RAPID CITY - There will be a new head coach on the Black Hills State football sidelines next season, but the face is likely to be a familiar one. Defensive coordinator Pat Fackrell and offensive coordinator Jay Long have both shown interest in the job and are interviewing for the position this week.

"We are looking internally," BHSU athletic director Jhett Albers said of the only two candidates being considered for the job at this point. "The assistant coaches have shown interest in the program and were an integral part of the success of the program the last five or six years. We feel they deserve the opportunity to apply."

Fackrell has been with the Yellow Jacket program for six seasons working with the linebackers as well as handling his defensive coordinator responsibilities. He has turned the BHSU defense into one of the top in the Dakota Athletic Conference since coming to Spearfish after coaching at Chadron State College in Nebraska.

Long also just completed his sixth year with the Yellow Jackets working with the running backs and was the recruiting coordinator in addition to his offensive coordinator responsibilities. Long played football at Chadron State College and spent time at Wayne State College, Neb., before coming to work at BHSU.

Albers said both men have shown great interest in becoming the head coach at Black Hills State.

Fackrell and Long are looking to succeed John Scott who officially resigned his position Dec. 1 to become a school and team representative with Universal Athletic which is a sporting goods supplier. During his six years with the program Scott led the Yellow Jackets to a pair of DAC titles and a 37-24 record.

Albers said interviews for both candidates are in progress with various members of the university staff throughout the week. He said he hopes to be able to make a decision early next week so the program will know what direction it is heading.

"I would like to see the program continue in its successful direction," Albers said. "Both of these coaches know what it takes to have a winning program."

Albers said because of the timing of Scott's departure, he feels it is important to fill the position as quickly as possible.

"Any time a position opens up right after the season you want to fill it in a timely manner, but you want to make the right decision," he said. "It is critical as far as recruiting and for our current players as well."

The Yellow Jackets finished the 2008 season with a 6-4 record.