Gilbert High stayed within district in hiring its next football coach, naming Mesquite defensive coordinator Leland Rodgers late Tuesday to that position. Rodgers replaces Dan Dunn, who resigned after three seasons in December.

Rodgers, who assisted at the varsity level with Mesquite coach Matt Gracey in 2011, also coached at Mesquite under former coaches Rich Iversen and Mike Reardon. He also coached at the freshman level  at Desert Vista. Rodgers also coached on Dan Dunn's staff at Mesa Community College after playing at Florida Atlantic.

"Mu ultimate goal was to be a head football coach somewhere," Rodgers said. "Gilbert has been on my radar for some time. It's some scenario to follow two legends in Coach (Jesse) Parker and Coach Dunn.....

"My biggest challenge is to keep kids in our district coming here. You don't want kids to want  to go other places."

Rodgers, 30, is a 2000 graduate of Dobson High where he played football (running back) and soccer and was on the Mustangs' 1998 and 1999 state championship soccer teams. He played junior college football at Scottsdale Community College (2000-2001)  then moved on to Florida Atlantic where he played through 2004.

Rodgers stayed at  Florida Atlantic as a coach for two years and also served as an intern for the Oakland Raiders. He coached at every level at Desert Vista as well as his time coaching at Mesquite.

Although an offensive player in his playing days, Rodgers enjoys defense. He'll look to what he has in terms of players before setting forth his schemes.

"Personnel will dictate what we do," Rodgers said., "I've had a lot of fun with defense, and liked to be involved with it. I'd like to put my stamp on that first. It's cliche', but  I want us to be solid on offense, defense and special teams."