Justin Briese has no intentions of stepping backwards.

The longtime assistant coach at Aberdeen Central was announced as the new head coach of the Golden Eagle football program Friday.

“It’s exciting,” Briese said. “Kind of unexpected, but it’s kind of what happens in life and you just take things as they come to you.”

Briese will fill the spot left by departing coach Scott Svendsen, who spent just one season at the helm of the program, but guided the Golden Eagles to some playoff success in that year.

“I really just want to continue to increase our level of expectations,” Briese said. “Coach Svendsen did a good job of bringing in some new energy and enthusiasm, and the kids are really excited about football right now.”

Prior to his time at Central, Briese spent nine years at Aberdeen Roncalli, where he was also the head wrestling coach. He also has three years of coaching experience at the collegiate level at Northern State.

Briese said the feeling in the locker room is a positive one.

“The (players) have really stepped up over the last few weeks,” he said. “They had a players only meeting and the seniors stepped up and said, ‘This is our season and our year.’ … They’re excited to lead.”