Model High School has finished its search for a new head boys’ basketball coach.

Former Southeast Whitfield assistant coach Joseph Bryson will be the new Blue Devils coach when the hoops season starts next October.

Bryson’s hiring was approved at the Floyd County Board of Education’s meeting on Tuesday night.

Bryson spent two years at Southeast Whitfield as the varsity boys’ assistant basketball coach.

“His experience was key in hiring him, but most importantly is his enthusiasm,” Glenn White, principal at Model, said about Bryson. “He’s eager to get started and he will be an excellent role model for the students. He has three children and will fit right in to the school and community.”

Southeast head coach Tim Rogers said Bryson has been a quality person to have on his staff.

“There are so many positives about coach Bryson,” Rogers said. “He has a great work ethic, he loves to work with kids, he loves the game and he enjoys teaching it. He’s a good, high-character guy, and Model High is very fortunate to get him.”

Bryson, a native of Hendersonville, N.C., played collegiately at Western Carolina University and teaches high school social studies.

“I was fortunate enough to play at Western Carolina for four years,” Bryson said. “One of the assistants while I was playing there was Thad Matta, who took Ohio State to the NCAA title game this week. I was really inspired by him.”

Bryson also said he borrowed a phrase from Matta and tries to use it in his coaching experiences.

“Coach Matta always said ‘enthusiasm is contagious’,” Bryson said. “I always try to do that, to be as positive as possible, and hope that it rubs off on my assistants and players.”

The 30-year-old Bryson, who is married with two sons and a three-month-old daughter, said he is looking forward to the challenge at Model.

“I know Model is in a tough league and a lot of teams there are pretty competitive,” he said. “But I’m excited about the challenge, and I’m anxious to get down there and start working with the guys.”

Bryson replaces Jeff Ozment, who coached at Model for the past five years. The Blue Devils were 8-16 this past season