Whitmer grad Bell school's new football coach

Jerry Bell, shown here at Whitmer's first practice in August 2011, has been named head coach.

Whitmer announced the hiring of new football coach Jerry Bell on Wednesday morning. Bell was offensive line coach under former coach Joe Palka and is a 1991 Whitmer graduate.

"Jerry brings a passion and enthusiasm to Whitmer football," Whitmer athletic director Tom Snook said in a statement. "He has a tremendous work ethic, and he has always been a huge asset to our athletic program and to the Washington Local community. As a Whitmer graduate and former Whitmer football player, I am excited to have a hometown boy as our next coach."

Bell will try to continue a brilliant run in the program. Palka's final two teams advanced to the Division I state semifinals, and the Panthers won league titles the past three seasons.

Bell is a social studies teacher at Jefferson Junior High and has taught in Washington Local Schools for 15 years.

More than 20 people applied for the coaching post, which became vacant after Palka resigned in December. He then accepted a head coaching position at Saline High School in Michigan.