Williams reflects on football coaching career

Cody High School Equus

A lot of rumors have been circulating around Cody High School concerning the departure from coaching of Mr. Cris Williams.

One thing, however, is certain – there will be a new CHS head football coach next year.

Williams will be stepping down as the Bronc football team’s head coach, having tendered his resignation Monday, Nov. 19. His decision was approved by the School Board Nov. 20.

In the days that followed news that Williams would no longer be head coach, a position he’s held for 13 years, misinformation concerning the reasons for his dismissal began to circulate. So Williams, who was notified by Activities Director Mr. Tony Hult on Thursday, Nov. 15, of the decision, called a meeting Sunday afternoon to set the record straight.

“I told [the team] I would not be their head coach next year and I’ll always be there for them.”

He gave no comment as to why he resigned.

Senior defensive end Austin Conklin attended the meeting and said he believes the resignation is not a good thing for the team.

“There are plenty of coaches who can do it [coach] well, but getting rid of his leadership and moral qualities is a mistake,” Conklin said. “He deserved the position he was in.

“He said he enjoyed the time he had with us and he didn’t want to walk away [from the team,]” Conklin said.

Others believe the switch might not be a bad thing.

“I think change can never be a bad thing,” junior quarterback Bryce Neary said. “We can start out with fresh views and beliefs.”

Conklin believes the adjustments will be significant.

“Switching the head coach position is a pretty big change because he is the main leadership role,” Conklin said. “This is a big change, especially for next year’s seniors who have had him three years already.”

Neary agrees that many things about the football team will have to be readjusted.

“We’ll have to redo the system he built,” Neary said. “A system that was working well. He was a great coach and really positive.”

Activities Director Mr. Tony Hult said these types of decisions never are easy.

“Quitting a coaching position is hard,” Hult said. “I’ve done it before and that’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

Principal Mr. Brandon Jensen said coaching involves a lot of personal energy and involvement.

“So much time and effort goes into coaching,” Jensen said. “We’re appreciative of him and we have respect for him and his decision. Coaching is almost as hard as being a principal.”

Both Hult and Jensen said they could also not provide the specifics of Williams’ departure as it is a personnel matter.

“Our hope is to move forward, put advertisements in and out of the district and hopefully get as [good of] quality of applicants as we can find,” Hult said.

Williams said he will remember the good and bad times he had with the Broncs. However, his favorite memories come after the game.

“We had a lot of wins that are special to me,” Williams said. “But in general, the locker room after a win [is my favorite memory.]”