Selma High School is in the midst of searching for its next boys’ basketball coach, but no timetable has been announced for when a final decision will be made.

The school named Keon Handley as its football coach and Melissa White as its athletic director on Tuesday evening, but the boys’ basketball position remains vacant.

“The decision will be made but I’m not in a rush,” said Selma High principal Emma Theresa Alexander. “I’m looking for the best candidate.”

A total of 18 candidates applied for the boys’ basketball position, which officially closed for new applicants on April 17. Woodie Jackson resigned from the position in early April.

Alexander said she has a committee that is conducting the interviews. Once interviews are complete, the committee sends her recommendations and a final decision will be made.

“I will discuss the decision between myself, the assistant superintendent and the superintendent,” Alexander said.

White said on Wednesday that several candidates were set to interview on Thursday. Alexander said Friday that the school has conducted interviews, but did not go into details.

“We have done some interviews and when it’s time to name a basketball coach we will,” Alexander said.

She pointed out that the school isn’t just searching for a basketball coach. Like Handley, who filled an open slot for a math teacher, the new coach will also need to fit the school’s needs academically.

“It’s always academics before athletics,” Alexander said.

She also discussed her decision to hire separately for the athletic director and football coach position instead of letting one person fill both roles, as Leroy Miles did in the past.

Alexander said she wants Handley to be able to focus on the team while White can see the bigger picture.

“The athletic director in my opinion is responsible for growing the athletic program in terms of generating revenue, working with band boosters and promoting the athletic program,” Alexander said. “I want my head football coach to focus on winning.”