No resignation: Coyle fired
The Trinity School Board unanimously voted to fire head football coach Ryan Coyle at a Thursday night planning meeting.
The board had the option of accepting a resignation letter by Coyle that was given to superintendent Dr. Michael Lucas recently but instead chose to open the position.
Board president Jennifer Morgan said the resignation letter was not presented to the board.
“I heard of it,” Morgan said. “But I did not see the letter. I was in conversations about the letter but never saw it.”
Neither Morgan nor Lucas would discuss the contents of the letter or Coyle’s contract details, citing it as a personnel matter.
When asked why the board decided to open Coyle’s position rather than accept the letter of resignation, Morgan said, “It was the way the (resignation) letter was worded, terms I guess.”
When asked whether opening the position was more advantageous than accepting Coyle’s resignation, Lucas said, “I don’t know if it was more advantageous. It was what (the board) chose to do and they can certainly do that.”
The board passed a motion to “rescind the action taken at the June 7, 2012 meeting which was designed to extend Ryan Coyle’s service as Head Varsity Football Coach and Head Weightlifting Coach from April 6, 2013 through April 5, 2017. This action immediately ends Mr. Coyle’s status as the Head Varsity Coach and Head Weightlifting Coach.”
Coyle compiled a 10-18 record in three seasons as the Hillers’ football coach. Trinity was eliminated from the playoffs following a loss to Ringgold in the Oct. 24 regular-season finale.
Coyle reportedly met with the team at a later date and told them he was going to resign.
When reached Thursday night, Coyle declined to comment.
Coyle led the Hillers to a 3-5 record in the Big Nine Conference and a 4-5 overall mark. His 2012 team made the playoffs, losing to Montour in the first round.
Morgan said she has some ideas about what to look for in the next football coach.
“I would like someone with head coaching experience,” she said. “I’m not going to speak for the board members, but I would like to see a head coach with coaching experience, see one with leadership and motivation skills.”