Concerns after East Bay high school plans to let go of all athletics coaches

NEWARK, Calif. (KGO) -- At the end of this school year, all coaches at Newark Memorial High School will be let go from their athletics programs.

The district says it's in the best interest of the school and students, but coaches and athletes are upset and speaking out against the decision.

Being a high school coach is not the most glamorous or highest paying job - but for coaches like Gordon Crosby, it is immensely rewarding.

He has coached swimming and water polo at Newark Memorial High School since the late 90s.

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But a posting for his job is currently up on the district's website.

And he's not alone - the school informed more than 40 head and assistant coaches that they will be let go at the end of the school year

"When I've been doing the job for over 30 years, it seems like, a lot of dedication to and time and effort and resources to do my job and do my job well," Crosby said. "Maybe it wasn't intended on a slap in the face, but that's kind of how it's been received."

If the coaches want to keep their jobs for the 2026-2027 school year, they must reapply be interviewed by a district panel - alumni are disappointed.

"We should really be removing barriers from the coaches that are there and creating these great environments for the kids instead of adding more barriers and adding more hoops to jump through - it just creates a lot of uncertainty," Filip Nowak said.

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"I couldn't have done it without my coaches support," Muhammed Ahmed said. "Our coaches go so far for these athletes, and I really think that Superintendent Bakker's decision is just so antithetical to what the district claims to want to accomplish."

We spoke with Assistant Superintendent in charge of H.R. Mike Williams, who told me this is simply about liability and streamlining, a process that should have been done long ago.

In a statement, he said:

"Newark Unified School District is strengthening its coaching hiring practices to ensure the safety and well-being of students. Releasing coaches at the end of each season allows the District to complete required vetting, background clearances, and mandatory trainings so students are supported by properly qualified adults. Our steps reflect the District's commitment to protecting students while maintaining strong athletic programs. These practices are common in most districts that offer extracurricular activities."

Crosby hopes that's true, so he can continue to impact lives, like he has for three decades at Newark Memorial.

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