Overview
- Newark Unified confirmed that every athletic coaching position at Newark Memorial High School will be terminated after current seasons, affecting roughly 45 head and assistant coaches.
- Incumbent coaches are invited to apply for 2026–27 roles and will be interviewed by a district panel before any rehiring decisions are made.
- District leaders say the move strengthens hiring practices by enabling background checks, mandatory trainings, and other vetting to reduce liability.
- Longtime swim and water polo coach Gordon Crosby, who has coached for more than 30 years, criticized the blanket approach and warned it could erode program continuity.
- Some coaches have already reapplied, but alumni and student‑athletes fear experienced staff may opt not to return given how the process was handled.