Bob Pike, an assistant football coach at Salem High School the last three seasons, has been elevated to the program's head coach.

Salem athletic director Dave Rozumek said the hire became official Tuesday night.

"I'm very confident it was a good hire," Rozumek said. "I've been around him, and I know he'll do a good job."

Pike, 32, replaces Adam Gagne, who resigned after one year as Salem's head coach to become the head coach at Westford (Mass.) Academy. Salem was 0-11 under Gagne and was outscored 387-147.

"For a couple of years now, I feel I've been ready to be a head coach," Pike said. "As soon as Adam left, I spoke to Dave (Rozumek) about putting my name in for the job. I'm super excited."

Pike lives in Haverhill, Mass., and teaches history at Haverhill High School. He played running back and linebacker at Haverhill High and was then part of the St. Anselm College football program's first freshman class.

Pike was Salem's offensive line coach last season.

"I'm from Massachusetts, but I love New Hampshire football," Pike said. "We had our first meeting this week. It's nice that I already know the kids and they already know me. That's an advantage.

"They're ready to go, and I'm ready to go."