Phil Strickland Gaffney football coach Phil Strickland said there’s no truth to the rampant rumors that he plans to resign to take another coaching position.

Speculation heated up this past week that Strickland, who was away at Myrtle Beach to coach in the North-South All- Star game, was in line to become the next head coach at Dutch Fork High School in Irmo. The rumor mill also had Byrnes head coach Chris Miller becoming Gaffney’s next head coach.

But Strickland squelched that speculation after leading the North to a 21-17 victory on Saturday.

“I haven’t even talked to anybody,” Strickland said. “I don’t know where all that came from.”

But he has a good idea.

Strickland said that he was likely tied to the job opening since it’s close to his hometown.

He also said messages posted on web sites fuel the speculation and there’s no way for coaches to respond to the unfounded rumors.

“I’m very happy where I’m at,” he said. “I can unequivocally say that I’ve worked hard to get my team to the state championship game this year and this past week I’ve worked hard to prepare my team to win the all-star game.”

Strickland’s statement should be welcome news to Gaffney fans. After all, Strickland has led the Indians to three state championships during his seven seasons as coach.

This season, Strickland guided a young football team to the state semifinals, where the Indians lost to eventual state champion Dorman.

Next season, the Indians are expected to be among the favorites to capture the 2010 state title.