People Speak Out in Support of Former Boys' Basketball Coach

Parents and other supporters of the Cleveland Heights High School boys’ basketball team asked the school board at its regular meeting Tuesday why former basketball coach Barry Egan’s contract was not renewed.

The district because the school would like to “pursue a different coaching direction,” according to a press release from Athletic Director Kristin Hughes.

Administrators have not offered more explanation, and school board members did not attempt to clear up the confusion for those who spoke in support of the coach and shared rumors they had heard. 

“The word is that there are two issues that the administration has decided warrant firing our basketball coach. A parent of a player has complained enough about their son’s playing time,” said one parent of Heights High alumni. “I don’t even know how to address something like that. The idea that a parent can complain about the playing time of their child and generate this much attention, I don’t know what to say.” 

He also said that he heard the coaching staff's use of language was another reason his contract was not renewed.  

One parent said she just came out to speak in support of the basketball program.

“I’m here to support the Cleveland Heights High School boys’ athletic department. I have two sons, (I'm a) single mom, and there are some times that I don’t know what I would have done if I did not have all the coaches and the director of the boys' basketball team,” she said. "So I just wanted to come here to support them. Our life has changed, my son is doing excellent in school … it’s like a big family to me.”

Superintendent Douglas Heuer said by email after the meeting that coaches’ contracts automatically expire each year, and that Egan can reapply if he’d like. He was not fired.

"The athletic director has the choice of recommending the same individual for the supplemental contract for next year or posting the position in order to consider other candidates,” Heuer said.

Egan coached for five seasons at Heights High, and his overall record was 85-28, said Hughes by email. 

Egan teaches the alternative learning environment class for Heights High, which is for students who have been suspended to keep them in school, said Angee Shaker, communications director for the district. His teaching contract will not change.

A grandmother of a player spoke last and asked why her opinion was not considered in the decision. Egan helped the players secure summer employment and went above and beyond his role as coach, and gave her grandchild rides to practice.

Nancy Peppler, school board member, chimed in and said giving students rides is against policy in most circumstances and that it was discussed at a recent meeting devoted to reviewing school policies and procedures. They did not mention Egan specifically though, and she said he may have followed the procedures. The video of that conversation is attached to this article.

The policy prohibits routine rides and only allows staff to transport students in urgent or extreme circumstances, according to an advisory letter that was sent to staff to clear up confusion. 

Look for more from Tuesday night's board meeting in future articles.