KEARNEY, Neb. — Two of UNK football’s coordinators will serve as co-interim head coaches following the departure of Coach Josh Lynn.

Athletic Director Marc Bauer says Defensive Coordinator Levi Gallas and Special Teams Coordinator Jake Willrich will lead the football program until a new head coach is selected. The news comes one day after Lynn announced he was leaving Kearney to be the head coach at West Texas A&M. The New Mexico native went 33-25 over five full seasons at the helm of the Lopers program.

“We appreciate Coach Gallas and Coach Willrich’s willingness to provide the needed guidance of the day-to-day operations during this transition and provide stability and continuity for the program, giving current and incoming student-athletes reassurance and confidence that they will continue to be supported in their academic and football endeavors,” Bauer said in a news release.

Bauer says he hopes to name a new head coach by the end of the month.

“As we near the end of the fall semester and enter the holiday season, it is imperative that we move quickly and diligently through the hiring process.” Bauer said.  “Knowing that time is of the essence, we began the search process upon being notified of Coach Lynn’s decision. Moving forward, we are confident that we will find a head coach that is the right fit for our program, campus, and community.”

The Division ll signing day is February 1 and the transfer portal is open.

Lynn spoke on the “Doug & Daddy Show” on ESPN Tri-Cities on Wednesday. He said he wants to take some of his staff members with him to West Texas but said he thinks some of them should be considered for the head coach position.