DAVID ALBERS / Daily News

Barron Collier head coach Bryan Crislip watches guard Alexi Lowry take a free-throw in the fourth period of their match in the Gulfshore Shootout on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007, at Golden Gate High School. Barron Collier defeated Western High School, of Davie, Fla., 64-54, in the first round game bringing their season to 15-0.

More BCHS Basketball

• PAIRINGS: Prep basketball: NDN Gulfshore, Holiday Shootouts, City of Palms on tap
• Prep basketball: Dec. 2, 2008
• PrepZone: Monday basketball notebook

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For the second time in as many years, Barron Collier is looking for a new boys basketball coach.

After leading the Cougars to 22 victories last season, the second most in Collier County, Bryan Crislip is moving on. The former FGCU point guard and women’s assistant coach has accepted an assistant coaching position with the Lynn University men’s team.

Crislip, 26, joins the Fighting Knights, a team that reached the NCAA Division II Final Four in 2005. Lynn, located in Boca Raton, plays in the Sunshine State Conference.

"My main goal has always been to go back to the college game," Crislip said. "(Lynn head coach) Scott McMillin is a young guy, real energetic. I thought he’s a good guy to get on his staff."

Crislip took over for Don Huprich before the 2007-08 season, and Barron Collier won its first 15 games for the first-year high school coach. Despite the fast start, the Cougars lost to Gulf Coast in the District 5A-15 semifinals to miss the regional playoffs and finish 22-5.

After the season, Crislip said he pursued a full-time teaching position at Barron Collier but began looking elsewhere when no openings were available. In July, FGCU men’s basketball coach Dave Balza, who coached Crislip on the Eagles’ first team in 2001, told Crislip about the opening at Lynn.

Just two days after an interview with McMillin, Crislip was offered the position at Lynn.

"I feel bad for the (Barron Collier) kids, because this will be their third coach in three years," Crislip said. "That’s tough on a high school kid. But they understood and want me to do what’s best for me. This is in my best interest."

Barron Collier athletic director Jason Mitterwager isn’t surprised Crislip is moving to the next level. He knew a talented young coach like Crislip would be in high demand. Mitterwager was just hoping he could hang on to him for a little longer.

"There are times when a coach is sitting in front of you and you just know he belongs at the college level," Mitterwager said. "When I hired Bryan, I knew he was an outstanding coach. I felt fortunate to grab him."

Mitterwager said a nationwide search for a new coach will start this week. He plans to advertise the opening in NCAA and FHSAA publications, as well as work his industry contacts.

Five or six internal and regional candidates already have applied for the Cougars coaching job. Mitterwager plans to start initial interviews with the applicants this week. He also said Barron’s assistant coaches will be considered for the position.

Crislip put his support behind varsity assistant Joel Morris, who played a Flagler College and has coached at several area schools. Last year’s staff also included former Boston Celtics player Carlos Clark, who coached the freshmen, and junior varsity coach Gabe Pean, who played with Crislip at FGCU.

Mitterwager said he wants to hire a new coach as soon as possible but will be patient and find the right person. He said having the job filled by the end of August is a realistic goal.

"Hopefully they can get someone in there soon and continue the pace we were on," Crislip said. "Whoever takes over is going to have a heck of a team next year."