Matt Woods' career goal of earning a head-coaching position becomes a reality on Monday.

During the Moline School Board meeting that night, Woods is expected to be approved as the Maroons' head football coach. Woods will replace Crick Sant Amour, who resigned in late November after a three-year tenure.

Woods' recommendation to the board -- first reported by The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus -- was made official on Friday.

"When you finally hear you got the job, it was an exciting moment," Woods said. "It's an ideal situation. Great administrative support."

Moline officials would not comment until the hiring was approved.

A career assistant at the professional and prep level, Woods, 39, will be the Maroons' third head coach in five years. The 1991 Alleman graduate was a two-time All-State selection as a defensive back during his career.

As a senior, he helped the Pioneers earn a Class 3A state runner-up trophy and Western Big 6 Conference title.

On top of that, he is the son-in-law of former Geneseo and Augustana football coach Bob Reade and spent his playing days at Alleman under Mike Tracey. Both Reade and Tracey are hall of fame coaches.

"I've played football and coached football for a long time," said Woods, who interviewed for the position before Christmas break. "I've been taught by some great coaches."

After completing his playing days and degree from the University of St. Francis (Ill.) in 1995, Woods spent time as an assistant at Northside High School in Memphis, Sherrard and the Quad City Steamwheelers. Since 2004, he has been the Moline running backs coach.

"I'm going to use every bit of knowledge I've gained and experiences I've had," Woods said. "Every day, you learn something."

When hired, Woods will implement an offseason weight-training program with the hopes of making Moline a playoff contender this fall. From there, his goals are to compete for Mid-West 10 Football Conference championships and consistent playoff berths.

Woods said his offensive scheme is a run-first attack with passing plays "when we want to do them, not when we have to do them."

Using the principles instilled at Augie and Alleman, Woods hopes the Maroons can be disciplined and fundamentally sound to eliminate "mental mistakes." Most of all, he wants them to fly around and be aggressive.

All that's left to make these expectations happen is approval in two days.

"I feel very confident," Woods said. "If I had any doubts, I wouldn't have applied."

Earlier report

Matt Woods will be named Moline varsity football coach, if the Moline School Board signs off on his hiring.

The board is expected to take action on the appointment during its meeting Monday night.

Woods was a two-time All-State running back at Alleman before graduating in 1991. As a senior, he helped lead the Pioneers to the 1990 Class 3A state championship game and a Western Big 6 Conference title.

Woods will replace Crick Sant Amour, who resigned in November.

Additional details will follow on this breaking story as they become available.