Klint Chandler will be manning the sideline when the Bayfield High School boys basketball team attempts to defend its Class 3A state title in 2018-19, BHS athletic director Derek Martin confirmed.
“I think Klint is an excellent choice given his many years of experience and familiarity with the Bayfield program,” Martin said. “He brings a focused intensity. The kids are going to work hard, that’s for sure.”
Chandler, who has had previous coaching stops in southwestern Colorado, takes over the Wolverines’ program for Jeff Lehnus, who resigned shortly after BHS beat Lutheran for the state title in March. Lehnus was 108-94 in nine seasons at BHS and guided the Wolverines to the state tournament six times.
Martin said BHS is still looking for a couple assistant coaches to help Chandler with the junior varsity and C teams at BHS.
Chandler was previously the head coach of the girls program at Durango High School. He abruptly resigned seven games into the 2011-12 season, which ended his third season at the helm. He was 24-29 during his time with the Demons and advanced to the second round of the state tournament in 2009-10.
After leaving the girls program as head coach at DHS, Chandler joined current DHS head coach Tim Fitzpatrick as an assistant for the past few seasons.
“Klint, first of all, is just such a good guy; a good person,” Fitzpatrick said. “He’s extremely knowledgeable about basketball. From watching the Bayfield boys this week (at the Colorado Mesa camp), he has them playing hard, and I think he’s going to do an outstanding job out at Bayfield.”
Chandler did not respond to several calls and messages for comment.
kschneider@durangoherald.com
