Nearly a month after Steve Gervais stepped down from coaching the Skyline football team to become an assistant coach at the University of Washington, a replacement was named. And the Spartans didn’t have to look far.

Mat Taylor, who operated as a wide receiver coach under Gervais for the last nine years, was named as the new head coach of the Spartans on Monday afternoon.

“I was basically here from the beginning,” Taylor said. “It’s just awesome to continue to be a part of it.”

Taylor, who teaches special education at Skyline, was a part of all three Skyline state championships. School officials are thrilled with the hire.

“We like Mat’s commitment to the student-athlete, his ability to teach the game and the expectations he has for his players on and off the field,” said Skyline Athletic Director Jeff Chandler.

Taylor said he worked closely with Gervais over the years and sees the offensive schemes remaining similar to what they were, but not entirely.

“I’ll put a little bit of my own stamp on it,” he said.

Taylor said he will try to avoid comparisons to Gervais, but there are certain things he will do the same, such as utilizing his assistants.

“That’s one thing I’m going to continue to do, is really listen to my assistants,” he said.

Taylor, 32, is a 1993 graduate of Issaquah High School. He coached the Eagles for five years in various capacities until taking the job at Skyline in 1999. While all the Spartan championships are special, he said he was thrilled to be able to coach his brother Andrew on the 2000 team — the school’s first championship. Taylor lives in Snoqualmie with his wife, Katie and son, Jackson.