Chicago, Illinois: Morgan Park Fires Football Coach Chris James, Students Plan Protest

Morgan Park High School fired football coach Chris James on Monday, two days after the Mustangs lost a close game to Providence in the Class 5A state playoffs, and the accounts from James and the school do not match. James, a Morgan Park graduate, told the Chicago Sun-Times he was let go after he declined to decide on the spot whether he would return next season.

James says he was told to turn in his keys

James said administrators announced the decision on Monday, canceled practice, and told him at 3 p.m. that he was relieved of his duties and had to turn in his keys. "I wanted to finish this season before making any decisions," he told the Sun-Times. "I have not made a decision yet." He denied taking another job or holding formal interviews, according to FOX 32 Chicago. James said he had planned to coach the team on Friday in the Public League playoffs, a consolation tournament, and that the school pulled out of that tournament after firing him. "I wanted to be at Morgan Park for 30 years," he said.

The school gives a different account

Principal Dan Kuzma disputed that version. In a statement to the Sun-Times, Kuzma said the decision was made after careful consideration and "with the best interests of our students and the football program in mind," and he thanked James for his service. In a message to football families reported by FOX 32, Kuzma said James had told players and families during the season that this would be his last year at Morgan Park and that he had accepted a coaching position elsewhere for next season. Kuzma said James had made decisions that made his continued role as head coach no longer viable. He said the season ended with the loss on Saturday, there would be no more practices this season, and the school will seek input from families and players and intends to name a new coach by January 1, 2027.

A nine year run ends

James coached Morgan Park for nine seasons and finished with a 55-24 record and six straight state playoff appearances. This season the Mustangs won the Public League Red division by beating Kenwood, a result that stands as the de facto city title, and Morgan Park was the only Public League team ranked in the Sun-Times Super 25. James said he sent nearly 30 players on to college football, and that the program produced more high-level college recruits than any other Public League program over the last five years.

Students plan a protest

Students planned to hold a protest at the school on Tuesday morning, FOX 32 reported. Morgan Park parent Shakira Langham said families were caught off guard by the timing, two days after the playoff loss. "Our sons are heartbroken," she said. The school sits in the Morgan Park neighborhood on the Far South Side, and James is an alumnus who was widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the Public League.