An Ohio high school football coach recently found out he was being let go from his coaching position at the same time as the rest of his town did.
According to The Lorain Morning Journal, Oberlin head football coach Rob Oursler was made aware the school was looking for a new head coach through an article it had published.
“I had every intention of continuing to coach football at Oberlin City Schools,” Oursler told The Morning Journal on Oct. 14. “I was disappointed to learn through a public article that I would be replaced, especially since no one from the district had a direct conversation with me or provided an explanation regarding the decision.”
Oberlin is not currently participating in the 2026 season, as administrators cancelled the season due to participation numbers. Less than 15 students-athletes came to the interest meeting and only eight players showed up to mandatory camp.
Oberlin athletic director Julian-Acosta Gorman released a statement apologizing for how the situation was handled.
“I acknowledge that communication regarding this situation fell short of what Coach Oursler deserved and I take full responsibility for that,” Acosta-Gorman said in the report. “As I have expressed to him personally, I sincerely apologized for how it was handled. There is no excuse for the breakdown in communication.”
The Phoenix are now in search of their fifth coach since the 2021 season.
Oursler said he plans to continue coaching other sports at Oberlin, including basketball.
“My passion for coaching and developing student-athletes has not changed,” Oursler said in the report. "I remain committed to the other programs I coach at Oberlin City Schools and will continue to support those athletes and their development. I am proud of the time and effort I have invested in coaching and I will continue to stand by my values I believe are important both on and off the field.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ohio high school football coach finds out he’s been fired through news article