Why is Coach Sullivan being forced out of Cooper?

[DukeDog]

Just came across a link to a petition called "Keep Coach Sullivan as Head Coach" that's been posted by former players. The description reads: "Keep Coach Sullivan as head coach of Cooper Basketball. Sullivan has brought home 3 district titles in the past 3 years, and won 2025 coach of the year. KEEP HIM AT COOPER. Please share so we can get as many signatures as possible! We love you Sully!"

I know there were rumors of Sullivan leaving Cooper last year, but this seems more than just offseason chatter? Not to mention how terrible the timing is with regionals coming up.

[Overton34]

Running one of the best coaches in the area out of town is crazy. 

[Jack of all Trades]

Heard this a few weeks ago.  

[Breds82]

Is he over stepping his boundaries?

[RolePlayer]

12 minutes ago, Breds82 said:

Is he over stepping his boundaries?

No.

[Breds82]

Then what is the issue?

[se7ens]

Can we enhance this to an overall discussion about Cooper athletics? They are as successful as any other school in the area in boys basketball, girls basketball and football but it seems that things are a little unstable in terms of the various "stakeholder" relationships out there - coaches, administrators, district, parents, athletes, etc...

[theguru]

Nick Ruthsatz posted the following on Facebook:

Any coach that yells or is ultra competitive isn’t allowed in NKY lol… Never knew Coach Sullivan personally but always respected how he ran his program & treated the guys.

Always one of if not toughest team we would play each year defensively. You know he has guys bought in if they’re competing on defense like they do every year. Consistently having players play in college & winning seasons..

Just doesn’t make sense 

==================

Nick was quoting this post:

Dar Simpson Hampton

There’s no way this should be a discussion!!  Let’s show Boone County that we stand behind Sully and this unjust treatment and call to non-renew his position!  How do they deny the Coach of the Year and the Coach that just won districts for the 3rd time in a row a job?!?  He means more to this community than just a teacher or a coach. These kids look up to him and need him in their lives!

https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/keep-coach-sullivan-as-head-coach

 

[Eagle_fan_2026]

I just don't understand people anymore.  I don't see how anyone wants to continue to be a coach or be a high school referee.

 

 

[theguru]

Is anyone willing to share why Cooper wants to get rid of Coach Sullivan?

[LCDAWGS19]

IF Sully is forced out at Cooper, it'll take about 5 minutes for the job offers to come pouring in. 

[98NCCalum]

Surely no one is naive enough to think that any of our renowned educators on a school board are going to listen to an online petition? Maybe the intent is to just raise awareness, if so, success. 

Sully is an awesome coach, and a great guy. As respected around here as you will find, not just by opponents, but fellow coaches. Wouldn't surprise me if they get rid of him, as people who run schools and school districts are among the most head-in-the-sand people I've ever met. 

[brooksville]

11 minutes ago, theguru said:

Is anyone willing to share why Cooper wants to get rid of Coach Sullivan?

From what I heard it was a "bad culture". 

[No Hiding Here....BC 21]

1 hour ago, Breds82 said:

Then what is the issue?

Someone in a facebook post replied to someone else asking the same question as you.

This is the response that was given:
the principal Mike Wilson is the one behind this, he’s the one that told Coach Sullivan that he doesn’t have a sense of urgency to change the “culture” in his program and therefore he needs to resign or he will be non-renewed once the season is over, including his entire coaching staff. And Mr Wilson he also told him to keep that quiet.

[RolePlayer]

16 minutes ago, theguru said:

Is anyone willing to share why Cooper wants to get rid of Coach Sullivan?

Principal MIke Wilson has a personal vendetta against Coach Sullivan.