Providence announced the firing of football coach Tyler Plantz on Sunday. It was a stunning move, given that the Celtics are undefeated, ranked No. 5 in the Super 25 and fresh off an appearance in the Class 5A title game last season.
Athletic director Doug Ternik didn’t provide a solid reason for Plantz’s dismissal, saying only the football program was moving in a new direction.
Plantz released a statement Monday to the Sun-Times. He said Providence president Fr. John Merkelis asked him to resign Saturday.
‘‘During our meeting for less than an hour, Father Merkelis informed me that other staff members had told him about a few disgruntled colleagues and a few football players’ parents,’’ Plantz said in the statement. ‘‘He cited problems with disorganization related to scheduling games for lower level teams, which was not my responsibility. He also said he was not satisfied with how I managed college recruiting this year and structured lower level practices. There were no disciplinary issues or any actions by me that violated any IHSA rules or any rules of Providence Catholic.’’
Plantz said that those were the only concerns Merkelis indicated and that, as of Monday morning, he had not received any notice from Providence that he had been terminated.
‘‘I am confounded by this decision and how it has been handled,’’ Plantz said in the statement. ‘‘I remain proud of my contributions to Providence Catholic’s success since I was named head coach.’’
A high school’s firing a varsity football coach during the season is very rare.
Plantz, a former Notre Dame player and Providence graduate, was 35-19 as the Celtics’ coach. He graduated from Providence in 2010 and from Notre Dame in 2014. He began his career in South Bend as a walk-on but moved up to special teams and earned a scholarship for his senior year. He was on Brian Kelly’s coaching staff at Notre Dame before taking the job at Providence in 2022.
Providence said Sunday that offensive coordinator Adam Nissen will serve as interim coach for the rest of the season.
Plantz’s full statement:
“On Friday, September 11, I received a text message from Father John Merkelis to meet in his office at 10am on Saturday, September 12. During our meeting he asked me to resign as head football coach for the Celtics, a full-time position at the school. Even though I asked what he wanted to discuss, I had no forewarning for his agenda.
“During our meeting for less than an hour, Father Merkelis informed me that other staff members had told him about a few disgruntled colleagues and a few football player’s parents. He cited problems with disorganization related to scheduling games for lower level teams, which was not my responsibility. He also said he was not satisfied with how I managed college recruiting this year and structured lower level practices. There were no disciplinary issues or any actions by me that violated any IHSA rules or any rules of Providence Catholic.
“Father Merkelis clearly stated these factors were his only concern and then offered me the option to resign. I responded to these claims during our first meeting. He explained that in consultation with other staff members, he had decided to move in a new direction for the football team.
“We met again at 10am on Sunday morning. I informed Father Merkelis that I would not resign because my decision to move to Providence Catholic from college football was a very personal one and I would never quit on my student athletes or our team. My brother Zac died in a tragic car accident on Thanksgiving Day 2020. To honor his memory, our family made a major donation to support Providence Catholic. We consider my leadership role at the school as a way to extend the benefits of that gift.
“As of Monday morning, September 14, I have not received any formal notice of the decision to terminate my role at Providence Catholic. Nonetheless, the school announced my firing on Sunday afternoon, September 13.
“I am confounded by this decision and how it has been handled. I remain proud of my contributions to Providence Catholic Celtic’s success since I was named head coach. This season, we are 4-0 and ranked Top 5 in Illinois and #1 in Class 5A. The last time the Celtics won in the IHSA finals was 2014.
“During the last four seasons, the Celtics competed in the IHSA semifinals for three years and in the finals for two of them. This year, our team already qualified for the playoffs. I am very proud that during the last three years, a total of 24 Celtic alumni made a commitment to play college football.
“For me, it’s all about the kids with the goal of helping young men become the best version of themselves. I thank my athletes for all they have given me—their hard work and dedication to each other, our football program and my brother’s legacy.