BUTLER TWP — Jeff McAnallen is out as Butler High football coach.

The Butler School Board voted Monday night to open the coaching position, ending the former North Hills assistant's three-year reign as the Golden Tornado's head coach.

"It was a unanimous vote," said school board member and former Butler coach Art Bernardi. "As a board, we feel like we have to change direction. Our recent method of hiring a coach hasn't been working out."

McAnallen was told of the board's decision after school Monday. A Butler graduate and former Tornado football player, he was 3-24 as head coach, 0-15 in section games.

"I thought I'd get more time," McAnallen said. "There was no forewarning this was going to occur.

"It's disappointing, but I don't regret coming back here. This is the coaching job I've always wanted. I've never been a head coach before. I did the best I could. I'm sorry it didn't work out and I wish them all the best."

McAnallen's replacement will be Butler's seventh head football coach since 1992.

Bernardi said the board will be "more aggressive" in finding the program's next coach.

"This isn't like college or pro football, where you select the guy you want and pay him the money," he said. "In the past, we've sat back, collected the applications and resumes, gone through the interview process and hired the best candidate among them.

"We're going to be more proactive this time. Not just for the players, but for the sake of our student body, school pride and the community we have to get this program turned around," Bernardi added.

The opening will be posted within the district "and any employee in the district has the right to apply," Bernardi said.

Butler was winless in two of McAnallen's three years at the helm. The other year — 2008 — saw the Tornado get off to a 3-1 start before losing all five section games.

"We got into conference play, came close a couple of times, just couldn't get a win. It was a touchdown here, a touchdown there," McAnallen said of the 2008 campaign.

Former Butler school board member Craig Lucas, whose tenure ended two weeks ago, said he didn't see the coaching change coming.

"There was no sign of it at our last meeting," Lucas said. "I'm flabbergasted, totally shocked. My theory has always been that a football coach should be given five years.

"Three years is just too soon. I would have voted against it. Definitely."

Butler athletic director Curt Phillips said he is unable to comment on personnel issues.

McAnallen plans to continue his teaching position at Butler Junior High School. He and his wife sold their house in the North Hills School District and relocated to Butler when he was hired as Tornado head coach.

"I grew up in this town and this is where I want to live," he said. "I'll continue working here."

He might continue to coach here as well. McAnallen told the board he would accept an assistant coaching role on the staff if the next coach wants him.

"I'm a team person," he said. "If I can help the program in any aspect, I'll do it. I didn't take this job for me. My interest has always been getting this program back on its feet, back to being competitive again. That hasn't changed.

"I never got a chance to coach the kids I see every day in the junior high. The head coach needs to be at the high school. He needs to be around the kids all the time. I hope the next coach gets that opportunity."

Bernardi expressed sadness at McAnallen's fate, saying "I hate to see that happen to anybody. But pride needs to be restored.

"Going through four or five coaches in the short time we have — nobody wants that in any school district. It's discouraging," Bernardi added.

Ultimately, McAnallen's fate was sealed for the same reason coaching changes were made before him: not enough wins.

"I knew coming into this school and this program, you have to win," he said. "You're not going to be the head coach for very long if you don't.

"I just wish I had more time, that's all."