Middleton AD explains firing, hires basketball coach

Posted Sep 30, 2009 by Nick Williams

Updated Sep 30, 2009 at 05:48 PM

Middleton High athletic director Derrick Gaines said Wednesday offensive coordinator Danny Mancuso was fired for disagreeing with head coach Jason Stokes as to how the offense should operate, rather than for using profane language during Middleton’s 47-0 loss to Robinson on Friday.

“He was let go for a difference in offensive philosophy and how to move forward,” Gaines said.

When asked if the use of profane language during Friday’s game had any barring on the administration’s decision,” Gaines said “that wasn’t the reason.”

Tuesday night, Stokes confirmed the firing, but would not comment further.

Middleton is the second program to lose an assistant coach in the past week. On Friday, Alonso defensive coordinator Dale Rude quit during halftime of the Ravens’ game against Hillsborough after administration asked him to leave for using profane language on the sideline.

Middleton (1-2) plays at Lennard (1-2) this week.

In other news, Gaines said Morris Scott will be the new boys varsity basketball coach. Scott, who was an assistant coach at Division I Southeastern Louisiana University last year, replaces Cornell Young who guided the Tigers to a 4-18 record last season.