Great Valley picks Choi as football coach

Mike Choi, who gave up a law career to spend time working with youngsters, was approved Monday night as the head football coach at Great Valley. His appointment came at a special meeting of the Great Valley school board.

It's the first head-coaching job for the 37-year-old Choi, a native of Norton, Mass. His appointment culminates an extensive search to fill the post that Gary Phillips held for the last 17 seasons.

Phillips' contract and those of his assistants were not renewed after the 2009 season. The contracts, known as EDRs (extra duty responsibility), are good for one year.

Choi had been an assistant under Phillips for the last five seasons, the final three as defensive coordinator.

Before going to Great Valley, Choi was an assistant for a couple of seasons under veteran Bob Wolfrum at Wyomissing High. His first coaching job was as an assistant at Fort Byron (N.Y.) before joining Wolfrum's staff.

Choi earned his undergraduate and law degrees at Syracuse. After serving a clerkship and a stint in the financial industry, Choi decided it was time for a career change.

"Lawyers can make big money, but I just wanted an opportunity to work with kids," said Choi, now a special education teacher at Great Valley. "The only drawback that I see [coaching and teaching] is that I didn't do it earlier."

Choi was among 36 candidates, including Phillips, who applied for the coaching post.

The 36 candidates were narrowed down to a final three by a selection committee that included former Eagles coach Dick Vermeil, retired Malvern Prep coach Gamp Pellegrini, West Chester University coach Bill Zwaan, and former West Chester University coach and administrator Dick Yoder as well as parents and community members.

"Mike Choi was selected because he connects with kids," Great Valley athletic director Russ Wren said. "He is a tremendous teacher, very positive, an excellent motivator, and knows the game of football well."

Choi did not play football in college but was a running back in high school. He credits Wolfrum; longtime Great Valley teacher and coach Hal Honig; and Phillips with helping his career along.

"I am honored to be selected," he said.