ATCHEZ — Natchez-Adams School District officials hope to name a new Natchez High School head football coach Thursday.

The position has been left vacant since the resignation of Lance Reed in June. Reed said at the time that he felt athletics was dwindling in terms of importance to NHS and would pursue a teaching position in Desoto County.

Since Reed’s resignation, the team has continued to practice during the offseason under assistant coach Steve Davis, who interviewed for the coaching vacancy in late June.

The other candidates in contention for the position have not been released.

NASD Superintendent Frederick Hill said a recommendation for the hire has not yet been made to him by NHS Principal Willis Smith, who is leading the search.

Hill said he expects to receive a recommendation before the district’s school board meeting Thursday.

“I feel pretty confident that I will receive the recommendation before the meeting,” Hill said.

As of Tuesday, the head football coach position was not posted on the district’s vacancy list on its website.

Two assistant football coach positions, however, were still listed as open.

Natchez High School athletic manager Beatrice Collins did not return messages seeking comment Tuesday.

The Bulldogs have had to continue with their offseason training this summer with a hole missing in the middle of their program.

Though they will get a late start, the Bulldogs hope to pick up where they left off and progress to a prosperous 2014 season under new leadership.

Natchez High went 4-7 last season under Reed.