MOUNT ULLA—Joe Nixon has been named the new head football coach at West Rowan, taking over for Scott Young, who had stepped down.

         A number of media outlets have reported the news, including the Salisbury Post.

         Nixon is returning to West Rowan, where he had been an assistant coach, from North Rowan. He took over the head coaching duties at North Rowan after the 2011 season and his teams posted a 31-8 mark during his tenure, reaching the state playoffs every season.

         Young, who became the West Rowan head coach in 1998, stepped down from coaching due to health concerns. The 43-year-old had open heart surgery at the end of March and is awaiting a heart transplant, which would have after October 1 at the earliest as he recovers from the earlier surgery.

         According to the Post, Young has a ventricular assist device in his chest to pump blood through the body, and he has to wear three machine packs weighing a combined 17 pounds at all times.

         Young played football at East Rowan High School and then at Guilford College and he turned West Rowan into a football power, with a 172-57 coaching mark in 17 seasons at the helm. His teams won nine conference championships and three North Carolina High School Athletic Association state crowns.

         Nixon was on Young’s staff, first coaching the offensive line and then later serving as offensive coordinator.