CdM Expected to Bring Back Fired Coach

Charlie Brande is expected to be named Corona del Mar High School girls’ volleyball coach today, a position he was dismissed from amid controversy last fall.

Dennis Evans, Corona del Mar principal, said he expects Brande to be hired today after Brande meets with athletic director Ron Davis and undergoes routine physical examinations.

“It’s just a simple matter of him going through the usual exams and tests,” Evans said. “Of course, we’re very happy to have him back.”

Brande, who coached Corona del Mar to a state championship in 1984, was fired on Sept. 19 by Newport-Mesa School District Superintendent John Nicoll, after Nicoll received three letters complaining about Brande’s treatment of his lower-level players.

Brande, considered one of volleyball’s top youth coaches, was also dismissed from his coaching duties with the Corona del Mar boys’ volleyball team.

Brande could not be reached for comment. His dismissal touched off a swell of support from players, former players, parents and friends who unsuccessfully appealed to the school district.

Evans said school district officials informed him early in the spring semester that they considered the Brande case closed.

“They told me that I could take it from there,” Evans said.

Evans said he and Davis were told could hire any coach they wished, including Brande.

“Basically, the superintendent felt enough had occurred, that the slate was wiped basically clean,” Evans said. “They (school district) had a decision to make and they made it. Charlie had a sentence to serve, so to speak. Things are now back to normal.”