UPDATED: South Pasadena Hires Martin Konrad as Next Football Coach

South Pasadena announced Wednesday morning the hiring of Martin Konrad as its new head football coach.

Konrad replaces Ed Smith, who resigned in December after 30 years with the Tigers. Smith spent the last 15 seasons as South Pasadena's head coach, compiling  a 65-96-4 record.

The story was first reported on by the Pasadena Star-News.

“We are confident that Coach Konrad is the right person to rally players, parents and fans in support of a coordinated and cohesive program," South Pasadena principal Janet Anderson said in a statement.

Konrad comes to the Tigers with a good deal of local coaching experience. Konrad previously was the head coach at Flintridge Prep for four seasons. At Flintridge Prep he led the Rebels to a 2003 CIF-SS divisional title. Konrad won CIF Coach of the Year honors that season. After his time at Flintridge Prep, Konrad served as defensive coordinator at West Ranch (Stevenson Ranch) from 2005-2007. Konrad's latest position was as co-defensive coordinator at College of the Canyons. 

“We’re excited," South Pasadena Athletic Director Ralph Punaro said. "I think he comes with a lot of experience — he knows the area.

" … I really think that I think our kids are enthusiastic and excited to move forward with this."

Punaro said the school received about 75 applications for the open coaching position, and he said that the school's hiring committee interviewed 10 candidates.

"It just looked like he was on the same page with where we were trying to take the program," Punaro said of Konrad.

The school also announced that the South Pasadena High School Booster Club will host a meet-and-greet to welcome Konrad on March 15. Players, families and anyone else interested in Tigers athletics is encouraged to attend.

The reception will be held in the school cafeteria from 6-7 p.m.