Paul Burke

By Scott Elpers

Former assistant Paul Burke was named head coach of the Derby High School boys varsity soccer team this past week. 

DHS athletic director Russell Baldwin announced the hire after Robert Rhodes resigned as boys varsity head coach in late July. Baldwin said Rhodes will continue to coach the Derby girls varsity team next spring.  

Rhodes, who has been head coach of the boys team for the past three years, said he had been contemplating the resignation for some time so he could spend more time with his family.

“The boys season kept creeping farther into the summer,” Rhodes said. “I’ve been weighing the options. I knew we at least had two real good options (for head coach). That’s why this was a good time.”

Rhodes officially resigned July 24, and Burke was hired on Aug. 2. Derby went 23-24-1 in Rhodes’ three seasons as head coach.