Regina's Cook confirms Cedar Rapids Jefferson football visit

CEDAR RAPIDS -- Cedar Rapids Jefferson appears to be starting at the top when it comes to finding a new varsity head football coach.

Iowa City Regina's Marv Cook confirmed Tuesday he made a visit last week to Jefferson to discuss the program with school administrators. Cook  is a former all-American tight end at the University of Iowa and all-pro player for the NFL's New England Patriots.

"I'm not going to lie. I did visit Jeff," Cook said. "I'm flattered to be mentioned for this kind of job. Jefferson has a great tradition."

Despite no prior coaching experience at any level, Cook, 45, has led Regina to a 59-5 record in five seasons, including back-to-back state championships in Class 2A. The Regals, who will be dropping to 1A next season, have won 28 consecutive games.

Jefferson, meanwhile, has lost 22 straight. Jim Womochil stepped down as head coach and took a teaching leave of absence last month.

Womochil has become a volunteer assistant coach at Iowa State University.

“He's already started up and we appreciate his effort,” ISU Coach Paul Rhoads said.  “He's here giving of his time and we don't get the opportunity, because of NCAA rules, to pay him a dime.”

Cook, meanwhile, will not confirm his level of interest, if any, in the Jefferson job. He runs a business in Iowa City and has three children in the Regina school system.

He said Tuesday he has toured "five or six different schools" in the past couple of months to check out their programs in order to continue to "learn and become a better coach."

Jefferson Athletics Director Scott Kibby said no "formal" interviews for the football coaching job have been conducted.

“I can say I have not been offered the job at Jefferson and am not in a position right now to discuss anything like that," Cook said.