He was assistant coach for 14 years

Max Jeffrey is the new head coach of the Albert Lea Tigers football team.

After serving 14 years an assistant coach, Jeffrey interviewed Wednesday for the position and was notified Thursday of the hire.

“It’s something I’ve spent 14 years preparing for,” Jeffrey said, of receiving a phone call with the news. “It was exciting. The first words out of my mouth were ‘Awesome.’ It’s going to be fun.”

Jeffrey was interviewed by Albert Lea High School principal Al Root, activities director John Double, Community Education director Chris Chalmers and Albert Lea Area School District director of technology Jim Quiram.

Jeffrey is a 1990 graduate of Albert Lea High School and played football for the Tigers during his junior and senior years. He became an assistant coach for the Tigers in 1994 at the B squad level and has, at one time or another, coached every level of high school football.

Jeffrey said he plans on taking “bits and pieces” from different coaches he’s assisted and incorporating them into his own coaching philosophy. He said the defense will be similar to former head coach Clay Anderson’s, but there will be changes to the offense.

“My whole philosophy, besides X’s and O’s, is playing for a program that’s fun,” Jeffrey said. “Friday night (at Hammer Field) should be a whole community event, and we want to get that atmosphere back.”

Jeffrey will begin working with players Monday during a football camp at Hammer Field.

Jeffrey is succeeding Clay Anderson, who coached the Tigers from 2005 to 2011 while also serving as the high school’s activities director. Anderson accepted a job in April to become the head football coach at Benton Community High School in Van Horne, Iowa.

Anderson said it was time for Jeffrey to become a head coach.

“He’s put in his years of experience,” Anderson said. “I think he will do a great job. He has enthusiasm for the game, and the kids will respect him.”

Jeffrey has a tall task in front of him in turning around the Albert Lea football program. The Tigers were 11-44 over the past six seasons, including 2-7 last year, and graduated 18 seniors of its 37-man roster.

“We’re going to compete hard,” Jeffrey said.