Jon Faimalo will be the next head coach of the Emery High School football program, it was announced by principal Larry Davis Monday afternoon.

“There are some big shoes to fill with coach Jones, because he left a wonderful legacy,” said Faimalo. “It’s going to be a big task. There is a little bit of nervousness, but excitement at the same time.”

Faimalo will take over for former coach Jim Jones, who announced his resignation in the middle of March after holding the position for 25 years. Spending three years under Jones as an assistant, Faimalo also played running back and linebacker for Jones between 1990 and 1992.

Following the announcement of Jones’ resignation, Davis opened the job up to current members of the football team’s coaching staff. Faimalo says he hopes those members of the staff will join him on the sidelines next season as a new era of Emery football begins.

“Having the guys that I’m hoping will continue to surround me, Chris (Justice), Morty, Scott Labrum, Russ Wilson, a lot of guys that have been there for a while will help continuity. We’ve got things going on the right track and there is no reason to change a lot of things.”

Expectations are high for the 2016 Emery Spartans after the young squad increased their win by total three in 2015, after going 1-8 in 2014. The Spartans will once again be apart of the 3A classification, sharing the North region with Juan Diego, Morgan, Union, Carbon and Grantsville.