Hunt Resumes for New Baron Coach

Fountain Valley Principal Gary Ernst, saying he underestimated the furor that would follow his selection of former Irvine assistant Lance Neal as head football coach, withdrew his recommendation to the Huntington Beach Union High School District that Neal be hired.

Neal, a self-described throwback coach, was fired last June by Irvine High Principal Gail Richards after complaints about his disciplinary style. Hundreds of supporters protested the firing and 400 “Reinstate Coach Neal” signs popped up on streets in Irvine, but the Irvine Unified School District board backed Richards’ decision.

“This was a tough decision, I’ve never done anything like this,” Ernst said. “I was aware of [the Irvine situation] when I offered him the position, I just thought it was over and done with. I didn’t think the controversy would follow him over, and that the controversy would divide my staff as well as the community at large. So I decided it was in the best interests of Fountain Valley to withdraw my recommendation.”

Ernst said the school would begin the hiring process again by calling former candidates and asking if they want to reapply.