Eastern’s next head volleyball coach should be hired by the end of next week, according to Mary Wallace, assistant athletic director.

Wallace said there could be an announcement for the next volleyball coach on Jan. 23.

Former Eastern head volleyball coach Lori Bennett resigned on Dec. 6.

Wallace said more than 60 applicants applied for the position, and then it was narrowed down to 10 phone interviews.

She said she was finishing up on-campus interviews this week.

The application was put up on the NCAA’s Web site on Dec. 9.

“We did a lot of stuff during the holidays,” Wallace said.

She said there are about three to four applicants left and all but one has had head coaching experience.

“It was a really good pool,” Wallace said.

The Panthers finished the 2008 season 5-24 overall and 2-16 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Current assistant volleyball coach Amy Schreiber said she would not comment on the situation.

Wallace, Eastern athletic director Barbara Burke and assistant athletic director for philanthropy Joel Moersch were all members of the search committee.

The Panthers were 41-69 with a 22-48 mark in the OVC in the past four seasons. They have not made the OVC Tournament since the 2005 season, and they have not reached the NCAA Tournament since 2001.

The Panthers return all letter-winners except for two seniors.

Kevin Murphy can be reached at 581-7944 or at kjmurphy@eiu.edu.