Whitmer has hired Jerry Bell as its head football coach.

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."

Palka's final two teams advanced to the Division I state semifinals, and the Panthers won league titles the last three seasons. Palka accepted a head coaching position at Saline (Mich.).

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

First Published January 19, 2012, 5:00 a.m.