Questions are swirling throughout the Woodland Hills School District about why beloved head football coach Brian Tarrant was suspended from coaching for the next year.
“It’s frustrating that the public doesn’t know the reason behind it,” Edgewood resident Brian Locke said.
“I think there should be some transparency. The parents and the kids should know what happened. And the public in general, we should know,” another resident, Arneeta Freeman added.
Through a district spokesperson, the superintendent sent a statement to Channel 11, saying they’ve been made aware of violations of WPIAL guidelines involving Coach Tarrant. After reviewing that information, the district decided he will be suspended for a year.
“I don’t like to see that happen to no coach. Especially the good coaches; they want to take care of you,” Locke said.
Channel 11 asked for specifics on the situation that led to Coach Tarrant’s suspension, but we were told there won’t be any further comment.
“He’s been a great coach up until whatever happened. He could be guilty; we don’t know. But transparency is always the right thing to do,” Freeman said.
Just recently, Channel 11 highlighted Coach Tarrant’s “team culture overhaul” — where he stressed the importance of performing outside of the Wolvarena by earning good grades and taking accountability.
Every senior football player in last year’s class is now in college, which is believed to be a first for the program.
Despite Coach Tarrant’s yearlong suspension, community members hope this year’s senior class can focus on their season.
“Just put it behind them and play ball. And try to get your scholarship if you can. Do good in school,” Locke said.
A WPIAL spokesperson said they are not involved in the incident. It’s being handled entirely by the Woodland Hills School District.
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