NORFOLK, NE — The Norfolk Panthers are choosing a western Nebraska coach as their next head football coach.

Norfolk High Activities Director Ben Ries announced Monday that Chris Koozer will be the school’s next football coach, pending approval from the school board. Koozer will replace Tom Olson, who retired last month after 23 seasons as head coach.

“We are excited to welcome Coach Koozer and his family to Norfolk Public Schools," Ries said. "His head coaching experience along with being an assistant coach at a very successful Class A program will be valuable for the program. He has knowledge in all areas of the game. His intensity, organization, and leadership will be focused on physical, mental, and social development of the student-athletes. I look forward to seeing the football program strive for the next level under his leadership.”

Koozer comes to Norfolk after spending the past six seasons as head coach at Sidney High School. The Red Raiders compiled a 21-32 record while the school floated between playing in Class B and Class C-1.

Prior to his time in Sidney, Koozer was head football coach at nearby Bridgeport High School. He also spent 12 seasons as an assistant coach at Grand Island High School.

“I would like to thank the Administration at Norfolk Public Schools for having faith in me," Koozer said. "I’m looking forward to continuing the Panther Football program tradition with the help of a great community and school.”

Koozer graduated from Hemingford High School in 1997 and played college football at Concordia University in Seward. He will be an ELL instructor and his wife, Amy, will teach at Norfolk Middle School.