The Jordan Hersom era as York High’s football coach ended before it ever began.

Now it’s Matt Nelson, a York graduate, who will be the Wildcats’ coach. Nelson has accepted the position, pending school committee approval next week, according to a press release from Athletic Director Andy Wood.

Hersom, the 2011 Fitzpatrick Trophy winner as a quarterback at Leavitt, was announced Feb. 22 as the choice to replace 21-year coach Randy Small. Hersom was the offensive coordinator at Gardiner last season.

But Hersom, a health and physical education teacher in Turner schools, also wanted a full-time teaching position in the York school system. When that request could not be met, Hersom withdrew his name from consideration.

Wood said in Wednesday’s announcement that Nelson was the other clear front-runner to replace Small in the initial interview process. Nelson was an athlete at York and Norwich University. He has coaching experience in the Concord, New Hampshire, football system and York’s youth football program, according to the release.