By Scott Hansen
MaxPreps.com
In a bizarre twist of events, Tulsa Union football coach Kevin Wright resigned on Wednesday, just 10 months after taking the job after leading Warren Central (Indianapolis) to three-straight large-school state titles.
Union finished the season with a 7-4 record in Wright's first season at the helm of the Union program. After three-consecutive losses to open the season against Hoover (Ala.), Jenks, and Muskogee, the Redskins rattled off seven-consecutive wins entering the Class 6A playoffs. Muskogee sent Union packing in the first round with a 20-18 victory.
In 2005, Bill Blankenship resigned unexpectedly after leading Union to 13-1 record and a state championship victory over Mustang, 33-7. Blankenship also won titles with Union in 2002 and 2004.
In a statement by Wright and Union Public Schools, Wright said, "I appreciate the opportunity to coach at Union High School. My wife and I moved here with every intention of being at Union for a long time."
Union's Class of 2007 called a meeting Tuesday night after six assistants resigned last week. Linebackers coach Johnny Bohannon, running backs coach Kelby Bohannon, defensive line coaches Wade Standley and Mike Smith, offensive line coach Lance Tignor, and Jon Davis all resigned. All six coaches had ties to Blankenship in the past with Union.
On Tuesday night, Union Booster Club members held a two-hour meeting to voice their concerns over the direction of the Union program was heading.
On Wednesday, Wright stepped aside. Wright, who was also the Union Athletic Director, signed a contract worth $92,580 per year.
At Warren Central, Wright compiled a 71-12 record in six seasons. In 2005, Warren Central lost one regular season game, 33-14 to Lawrence North. Warren Central played Lawrence North again in the playoffs and won 55-3 en route to Wright's third title. Wright brought his rush-heavy wishbone offense with him to Union after uncanny success in Indiana.
Darren Evans, a Virginia Tech commit, rushed for over 7,000 yards in his career at Warren Central. In 2006 in his first season without Wright at the helm, Evans rushed for 2,806 yards and 61 touchdowns as Warren Central won yet another state title.
Union intends to name an interim coach after the Holidays. The search for a long-term replacement is under way at Union.