My question is, why even have an interview process? You don't have to do that if you know who you want. Nate is a good coach and is already employed by the district and has coached there before. Sounds like he was the guy from the start, so just give him the job?
Taking applications, having people write letters of recommendation, screening the applications, eliminating some really good candidates who are now confused and a bit angry that they could not even get an interview has bred some unnecessary ill will in the local community. Actually, a lot of ill will and distrust.
It is actually worse to go through the process if it is not truly a wide open search. If you know your guy, just appoint him and then all these really good people and coaches that could not even get interviews would not be grumpy now.