Eastern offensive line coach Mark Hutson has been promoted to assistant head coach for the Panthers, head coach Bob Spoo announced Thursday.

Spoo had been without an assistant head coach for the last two seasons since Roy Witke left in 2002.

“This will give me time to be more hands-on in other areas of the program,” Spoo said.

Hutson just finished his second season with the Panthers and will take on added administrative duties as part of his new job, Hutson said.

Spoo announced the decision to his staff before the Eastern’s last game, and director of athletics Rich McDuffie announced the decision after Thanksgiving break.

“I’ll still be the offensive line coach but will have additional administration work on and off the field. It will help free up Coach Spoo,” Hutson said. “I’m very excited (about the promotion).”

Duties will include work in recruiting, scouting, handling equipment and other various duties.

“(Hutson) will help in nearly every aspect of the program that goes on off the field.” Spoo said.

Hutson has helped develop a young offensive line, Spoo said, and deserves much of the credit for Eastern’s rise in offensive production because of his work with the line.

“(Hutson) has been at every level and has a wealth of experience,” Spoo said. “He’s a very authoritative figure and will do an excellent job (as assistant head coach).”

Hutson has been with four other programs, Arkansas, Boise State, Murray State and Tulsa, in his coaching career, and this promotion is another line on an already impressive resume.

Hutson said he is interested in moving up the coaching ladder but doesn’t know when or where that will come.

“Eventually I want to step up to head coach,” Hutson said, “But I have no time frame for that. Year by year, you just try to do you best.”

Spoo knows that keeping talented coaches, such as Hutson, on a staff is not easy to do.

“(Coaching changes) happens all the time, and that’s part of being at this level, “Spoo said. “People are always looking for a good man.”

As for Huston’s promotion being any sign of a coaching change here at Eastern, Spoo said he has no plans for retiring.

“We have some fine players all the way down to the freshmen,” Spoo said. “We should have a good football team for the next few years, and I want to be a part of it.”