Hot Springs’ Vereen hired as Star City head football coach

Hot Springs is seeking a new head football coach after Chris Vereen was hired as the head coach for Star City Wednesday.

Vereen led the Trojans to a 28-54 record (21-35 5A-South) during his eight seasons with the team, including leading them to a 5A-South conference title in 2014. He has also worked as a head coach at Gillett and De Queen and was an assistant coach at White Hall.

Vereen replaces Jett Furneaux, who resigned earlier this month. Furneaux led the Bulldogs to a 33-25 record (1916 4A-8) in his five seasons at Star City.

Incoming Hot Springs athletic director Rodney Echols said Wednesday the district is looking to hire someone quickly to replace Vereen.

“We are going to try to have someone hired by mid-June,” he said. “It happened kind of late, so we’re at a bit of a disadvantage. We have it open now.”

Vereen will remain with the school district until July 1, helping to transition the team for the new coach.

“He is still working with the kids,” Echols said. “They are still lifting weights and training.”

The Trojans were scheduled to participate in a 7-on-7 tournament in June, but the team will not participate in any camps until after the dead period, June 24–July 7.

Echols said he has already heard from candidates for the position.

“The calls I have recieved have been energetic,” he said. “They said that they believe that this can be a successful football program.”

Echols praised Vereen for his tenure with the Trojans.

“He did a good job with the kids,” he said. “We wish him nothing but the best.”