I'm posting this and then locking the thread. I attempted to leave this open for discussion....and like always you didn't disappoint within minutes of the release I had to pull it down. Enjoy debating this on Facebook
Tyler Plantz / Statement re Providence Catholic 2026.09.14
Statement by Tyler Plantz regarding decision by Providence Catholic President Father John Merkelis, O.S.A.
“On Friday, September 11, I received a text message from Father John Merkelis to meet in his office at 10am on Saturday, September 12. During our meeting he asked me to resign as head football coach for the Celtics, a full-time position at the school. Even though I asked what he wanted to discuss, I had no forewarning for his agenda.
“During our meeting for less than an hour, Father Merkelis informed me that other staff members had told him about a few disgruntled colleagues and a few football player’s parents. He cited problems with disorganization related to scheduling games for lower-level teams, which was not my responsibility. He also said he was not satisfied with how I managed college recruiting this year and structured lower-level practices. There were no disciplinary issues or any actions by me that violated any IHSA rules or any rules of Providence Catholic.
“Father Merkelis clearly stated these factors were his only concern and then offered me the option to resign. I responded to these claims during our first meeting. He explained that in consultation with other staff members, he had decided to move in a new direction for the football team.
“We met again at 10am on Sunday morning. I informed Father Merkelis that I would not resign because my decision to move to Providence Catholic from college football was a very personal one and I would never quit on my student athletes or our team. My brother Zac died in a tragic car accident on Thanksgiving Day 2020. To honor his memory, our family made a major donation to support Providence Catholic. We consider my leadership role at the school as a way to extend the benefits of that gift.
“As of Monday morning, September 14, I have not received any formal notice of the decision to terminate my role at Providence Catholic. Nonetheless, the school announced my firing on Sunday afternoon, September 13.
“I am confounded by this decision and how it has been handled. I remain proud of my contributions to Providence Catholic Celtic’s success since I was named head coach. This season, we are 4-0 and ranked Top 5 in Illinois and #1 in Class 5A. The last time the Celtics won in the state finals was 2014.
“During the last four seasons, the Celtics competed in the IHSA semifinals for three years and in the finals for two of them. This year, our team already qualified for the playoffs. I am very proud that during the last three years, a total of 24 Celtic alumni made a commitment to play college football.
“For me, it’s all about the kids. My goal has been and always will be to help young men become the best version of themselves. I thank my athletes for all they have given—their hard work for each other, dedication to our football program and in carrying on my brother’s legacy.
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Tyler Plantz / Statement re Providence Catholic 2026.09.14
Statement by Tyler Plantz regarding decision by Providence Catholic President Father John Merkelis, O.S.A.
“On Friday, September 11, I received a text message from Father John Merkelis to meet in his office at 10am on Saturday, September 12. During our meeting he asked me to resign as head football coach for the Celtics, a full-time position at the school. Even though I asked what he wanted to discuss, I had no forewarning for his agenda.
“During our meeting for less than an hour, Father Merkelis informed me that other staff members had told him about a few disgruntled colleagues and a few football player’s parents. He cited problems with disorganization related to scheduling games for lower-level teams, which was not my responsibility. He also said he was not satisfied with how I managed college recruiting this year and structured lower-level practices. There were no disciplinary issues or any actions by me that violated any IHSA rules or any rules of Providence Catholic.
“Father Merkelis clearly stated these factors were his only concern and then offered me the option to resign. I responded to these claims during our first meeting. He explained that in consultation with other staff members, he had decided to move in a new direction for the football team.
“We met again at 10am on Sunday morning. I informed Father Merkelis that I would not resign because my decision to move to Providence Catholic from college football was a very personal one and I would never quit on my student athletes or our team. My brother Zac died in a tragic car accident on Thanksgiving Day 2020. To honor his memory, our family made a major donation to support Providence Catholic. We consider my leadership role at the school as a way to extend the benefits of that gift.
“As of Monday morning, September 14, I have not received any formal notice of the decision to terminate my role at Providence Catholic. Nonetheless, the school announced my firing on Sunday afternoon, September 13.
“I am confounded by this decision and how it has been handled. I remain proud of my contributions to Providence Catholic Celtic’s success since I was named head coach. This season, we are 4-0 and ranked Top 5 in Illinois and #1 in Class 5A. The last time the Celtics won in the state finals was 2014.
“During the last four seasons, the Celtics competed in the IHSA semifinals for three years and in the finals for two of them. This year, our team already qualified for the playoffs. I am very proud that during the last three years, a total of 24 Celtic alumni made a commitment to play college football.
“For me, it’s all about the kids. My goal has been and always will be to help young men become the best version of themselves. I thank my athletes for all they have given—their hard work for each other, dedication to our football program and in carrying on my brother’s legacy.
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