Craig Spence, former University of Washington offensive program coordinator and Auburn resident, has been named the new head football coach at Auburn Mountainview High School.

Spence, a Stanford University graduate who played defensive back for the Cardinal under legendary head coach Bill Walsh, brings a wealth of coaching experience to the Lions, including stints at Stanford University, Boston College, Occidental College, Ventura College, Graceland University and Columbia University.

In addition to his college coaching experience, Spence was also the director of football and head football coach at Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma, where he helped engineer the Tarriers’ first winning season in 12 years.

At Stanford, Spence was a varsity athlete in cross country and track and field, in addition to football, and earned his masters and bachelors degrees in industrial engineering. He was an assistant coach at the school under Tyrone Willingham.

Spence recently completed his fourth Ironman Triathlon. He is married to Auburn School District administrator Amy Spence. The couple, along with a daugher, reside in Auburn. He is currently a physical science, geometry and algebra teacher at Life Christian Academy in Tacoma.

Spence will be Auburn Mountainview’s second varsity football coach and replaces Mike Clancy, who resigned his position in December.

The Lions finished 2-7 overall, with a sixth-place 2-6 South Puget Sound League 3A record.

In 2008, the Lions posted a 4-4 league record and finished in fourth place. The squad was 6-4 overall.

Auburn Mountainview has yet to make a postseason appearance.