Troy McAllister to stay at Phillips, accept new role

Troy McAllister is staying at Phillips after all.

McAllister, who resigned on May 28 to accept the head coaching job at Evergreen Park, had an apparent change of heart and will return to the Wildcats as offensive coordinator, according to Phillips athletic director John Byrne.

When McAllister stepped down, Phillips named defensive coordinator Michael Larson to replace him, a decision that will stand.

“We found out this morning,” Byrne said Friday. “Of course, the first thing Troy did — and rightfully so — was to take care of his teaching position.”

According to Byrne, McAllister had not yet officially resigned that post, so his status on the faculty will be unchanged.

“We’re glad to have him back,” Byrne said. “He makes us better.”

McAllister led the Wildcats to a 22-18 record over four seasons. Phillips knocked previously unbeaten Evergreen Park out of the Class 4A playoffs last fall, winning 35-32 in the second round. The Wildcats finished 8-4 after losing to Geneseo in the state quarterfinals.

On the Evergreen Park football Facebook page, Ray Mankowski posted Friday that he will be the Mustangs’ head coach. He had been an assistant for seven seasons.

“I am looking forward to taking this team to the top of the mountain,” Mankowski’s post said.