Football: It’s a nasty trend in prep coaching
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It is part of the philosophy of covering high school sports: Reporters never call for a coach’s firing based on failure of a team. This isn’t college or the pros. Coaches are teachers first and should be judged on their teaching abilities, not won-loss records.
It is clear, however, that principals are looking at won-loss records and showing little patience, particularly in private schools. If you’re a football coach in the Trinity or Serra leagues and your team doesn’t make the playoffs for a couple of years, good luck keeping your job.
The latest to be replaced was Jim Kunau at Orange Lutheran. For 19 years, he ran a program that ranked among the best. His team won the Pac-5 title in 2006, and his program won 13 league titles. And yet, two consecutive seasons without a playoff berth left him on an island with few friends.
Yes, the school is showing loyalty by treating him well and creating another job in the athletic program for him, but the message is clear: What have you done for us lately?
Jeremiah Ross was ousted at Encino Crespi in 2009 after consecutive years without making the playoffs, even though his team made the Pac-5 finals in 2007.
Sherman Oaks Notre Dame hasn’t made the playoffs the last two years, putting longtime coach Kevin Rooney in the cross hairs. But he’s one of the few who probably doesn’t need to worry, because the administration seems to understand that they want more from their coach than just championships.
Orange Lutheran has begun a nationwide search for a replacement. What happens if they don’t find someone better than Kunau?
‘They will find someone who is truly outstanding,’ the classy Kunau said.
Yes, they probably will, and he better make sure the team makes the playoffs.
-- Eric Sondheimer