By Don Ketchum

Mike Brown is one of the hardest-working men in show business, er, high school football.

After two years as head coach at Tolleson High, close to 15 at Phoenix Greenway and some time at Phoenix Thunderbird, he is bringing his work ethic back home to Phoenix North Canyon.

Home in the literal sense.

He lives less than a mile from campus. His wife teaches in the Paradise Valley District and his children attended North Canyon.

“I enjoyed coaching at Tolleson, but I was spending a minimum of an hour and 20 minutes in the car every day (round trip), and that wears on you,’’ he said.

Brown admitted he had his eye on the North Canyon job for quite some time but things never quite worked out.

Then Conrad Hamilton, who was head coach in 2011 after several years as defensive coordinator at Scottsdale Chaparral, announced recently that he was returning to Chaparral.

Brown sought an interview, got it and was hired shortly thereafter. He will continue to teach at Tolleson through the end of the current semester, then will assume teaching duties at his new school, probably mathematics, physics, physical education or a combination.

“I am very fortunate. I don’t see myself going anywhere else,’’ said Brown, 52.

He also has been heavily involved in the Arizona Football Coaches Association, spending countless hours behind the scenes helping to organize the annual All-Star games each summer.

While coaches tend to look to better themselves and often do so, the players they leave behind pay the price.

“That’s always the hardest part, those kids who are coming back,’’ Brown said. “I talked to the Tolleson kids and I think they understand, that this is close to my home. I hope they will continue to work hard. I wish them the best.’’

Brown has met with his new team, and has overseen a few weight-lifting sessions. And there will be spring ball in May.

“They know that unless they are out for spring sports, I expect them to be here,’’ Brown said.

A couple of players transferred from North Canyon after Hamilton’s departure, but Brown believes he has a good group returning.

“That’s going to happen (players leaving) in this day and age,’’ Brown said. “There isn’t a whole lot you can do. You have to adjust and move on.’’

He is in the process of evaluating players after viewing videotape, and it will continue after watching them up close during spring ball.

“You learn who played where and where they might fit this year,’’ he said. “I have always tried to adapt the scheme (offense and defense) to the personnel.

“I am ready. I think we are going to have success and have fun.’’