ARTICLE UPDATED MAY 30TH, 2023, 11:24 A.M.
Bryant Public Schools has issued a statement regarding Coach Buck James leaving their football program. The full statement follows:
Former Hornet Head Coach Buck James informed the superintendent at 10:20am on Tuesday morning that he was leaving the district to take the Head Football Coach position at Conway Public Schools.
“While we were surprised to learn of this development, we wish Coach James the best moving forward. Under his leadership, the staff and teams at Bryant High School achieved unprecedented success in the history of Arkansas high school sports,” said Dr. Karen Walters, Superintendent.
Coach James has served as Head Coach for the Hornets since 2016. During his tenure, the Hornets captured five consecutive 7A State Football Championships.
“To our current and future members of the Hornet Football program, we are committed to finding a proven leader to continue our winning tradition. Our program will attract top coaching candidates. Our future is bright,” said Walters.
PREVIOUSLY, 9:28 A.M.
The controversy blew up last week after some Bryant Hornets championship players were denied a ring due to a rule about staying with the team. The rule doesn’t apply to coaches, and that is very apparent, as credible sources say that Head Coach Buck James is leaving for another school outside of Saline County.
The sources say Coach James was in talks with Sheridan High School, but the money wasn’t right, so he went to Conway. Conway Athletic Director Clint Ashcraft couldn’t come to the phone due to being “in meetings,” but stated through a representative in the Athletics Department that the school will be making an announcement later in the day on Tuesday, May 30th. The former coach for Conway left to lead as Athletic Director at Springdale High School.
The Fimple boys are gems in the coaching ranks and Springdale is getting a guy who will go to the mat for their kids. Excellent selection here for all Springdale kids.#ARPreps #PrepRally
— CHIP SOUZA | Hawgs Sports Network (@NWAChip) May 10, 2023
Watch here for updates and read the previous article by clicking below:
State Champ Bryant Football players denied ring; Coach James says they were told