PORTLAND — After failing to find the right candidate in its initial search for a head football coach, Portland High started over.

This time it worked.

Jim Hartman, 59, accepted the position. The appointment is pending school board approval.

Hartman would replace Mike Bailey, who served as head coach for 26 years, winning the Class A title in 2002. Bailey’s contract wasn’t renewed after last season.

Hartman, who coached Yarmouth for eight years and led the Clippers to back-to-back undefeated Class C state championships the last two seasons, didn’t apply initially because he wasn’t sure he wanted to make a move.

When the Bulldogs came calling a second time, Hartman couldn’t resist the lure of a Class A school in his home city.

Hartman said although people in Portland convinced him to apply, it was a difficult decision to leave Yarmouth, not only because of the talent the team has returning – seven starters on both offense and defense – but because of the players, the administration and the parents.

“Everyone in Yarmouth has been fantastic,” he said.

Hartman said travel also played a role. As a sales rep for an industrial supply company, Hartman said he travels 1,000 miles a week.

“The ride back and forth from Yarmouth was a little too much. It was taking its toll. I had to get reacquainted with my grandchildren after the season,” he said. “Even though this job will likely mean more work, I still feel I will have more time for my family because of less travel. Going from my house to the Expo will be much better.”

Hartman had a 33-18 record at Yarmouth. He started the program, which was a club team for three seasons before joining Class C.

Portland Athletic Director Mike McCullum said there were eight applicants, and Hartman has the qualities the program was seeking.

“Jim’s got a good energy about him,” said McCullum. “And he’s successful in the programs he’s run, from the youth program in Portland to Yarmouth, where he built the program. That stood out to us. He’s got big shoes to fill. Mike Bailey did a great job and we want to continue it.”

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be contacted at 791-6419 or at: tchard@pressherald.com

Twitter: TomChardPPH