GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — After 21 seasons without a coaching change, Grand Island Senior High is now looking for a new football coach for the second straight year.

The school announced Friday that it is transitioning away from Creighton Reed as head coach. Longtime assistant Jeff McQuinn will serve as interim coach for the Islanders.

Grand Island lost its first seven games of the season under Reed before winning its final two games. 

“We’re grateful for Coach Reed and his work with our athletes.  We appreciate Coach McQuinn’s willingness to step into a larger role while Islander Football is in transition,” Activities Director Chris Ladwig said. “Our commitment remains the same — providing the best extracurricular opportunities and life-lessons we can for our Islander student athletes.”

Reed released a statement on social media on Friday.

“While I am disappointed with today’s decision, I want everyone to know that the Grand Island Senior High football program, at all times, has followed the highest of moral and ethical standards during my five months as head football coach. To avoid speculation, a conflict of vision for the future of the program was at issue.”

The school announced Reed as head coach in January 2024. He is a Juniata native who attended Adams Central High School, Chadron State, and UNK. He previously worked as an assistant coach in Lake Worth, Odessa and San Antonio, Texas.

Reed replaced Jeff Tomlin, who retired after 21 seasons as Islanders head coach. Tomlin’s teams qualified for the playoffs in 11-straight seasons and had won a playoff game in six straight years. He is currently an assistant coach at Hastings College.

A news release says the athletic department is working on long term plans for the football program.