Gilbert is down to three finalists in its quest to find a new football coach and will interview them on Thursday, according to a source close to the situation.

One finalist is believed to be Erich Mach, who coaches at Necedah High in Necedah, Wis. He has a record of 69-17 since 2004 and has not lost more than three games in a season in that span. He had a preliminary phone interview on Friday.

Another finalist is believed to be Basha assistant coach Tim Rutt. He used to be the freshman coach at Hamilton.

The Tigers went 3-7 last year in Leland Rodgers’ only season at the helm. He was fired after the year for alleged physical and verbal mistreatment of players.

Tags: Erich Mach, Gilbert, Leland Rodgers, Tim Rutt