The Permian girls basketball program will soon have a new leader.

Pending approval by the ECISD school board, Len Krieger will take over the Lady Panthers’ program for the 2019-20 school year.

Kreiger has coached at Houston North Forest the past two seasons, compiling a 43-16 record, including 27-5 last season. The Lady Bulldogs won bi-district titles each of the past two years.

The pending hiring was first confirmed by Permian athletic coordinator Jeff Ellison on Tuesday and then by ECISD athletic director Bruce McCrary on Wednesday.

“He brought a lot of energy and organization to the interview,” McCrary said of Krieger. “Once we saw that and got to know him, we felt that he was the right person for the job.”

Krieger is slated to take over for Angela Braziel-Smith, who announced her resignation in May after 10 seasons as head coach.

“It’s an honor, privilege and a blessing from the Lord to be considered for a position like this,” Krieger said in a phone interview Wednesday. “I’m just looking forward to being around that great atmosphere where every game is important.

“I’ve been to Odessa twice now and everyone has been so welcoming with open arms and everyone is friendly.”

The Lady Panthers finished 12-19 in 2018-19 and were one game shy of making the postseason. Permian will have nine players returning for next year’s team.

Krieger also was the athletic coordinator at Houston Washington High School prior to coaching at North Forest.

“He came in with a plan of what he wanted to do,” McCrary said. “We could tell that he was excited to come to Permian High School.”

Krieger said he plans to arrive in Odessa toward the end of July and is anxious to get to work.

“I’m just looking to bring a different mentality,” Krieger said. “I know the style of play in Houston is a lot different than in West Texas.

“Hopefully, I can use that to implement more of an up-tempo style and definitely try to manufacture wins at the end of the day for the Lady Panthers.”
