Plymouth School Board votes 3-2 to terminate varsity football coach despite community support

In a contentious 3-2 decision Tuesday evening, the Plymouth Community School Board voted to terminate Varsity Football Coach Adam Handley, despite an outpouring of community support during public comments.

The decision came after Handley refused a request to resign, forcing the board to make the final decision on his four-year tenure with the Rockies.

Handley took over a struggling program in 2022. The Rockies had posted a combined 2-16 record in the 2020 and 2021 seasons under previous leadership.

Under Handley's direction, the team went winless in his first season as he rebuilt the program. The Rockies improved to 2-8 in 2023, then posted their best season in 2024 with a 6-5 record. This past season, the team finished 4-7.

Before the vote, multiple current players addressed the board, praising Handley's leadership and mentorship. Students described him as a role model who brought faith to the team and taught them how to become better men.

Several parents and community members also spoke in support. One mother said she had watched her son grow significantly under Handley's guidance over the past four years and had "only heard great things about him."

Supporters emphasized that Handley regularly attended other sporting events and school programs, demonstrating his commitment to Plymouth High School students beyond football.

The termination drew a sharp divide among board members.

Board member Steve Holm requested the item be pulled from the consent agenda for separate discussion, saying he had "struggled with this decision over the last month." While acknowledging the importance of not micromanaging Athletic Director Joshua Troyer, Holm said, "I can't wholeheartedly agree with him."

Board member Lisa Huff echoed Holm's concerns, noting she had heard "wonderful things" about Handley from coaches outside the school system and had been contacted by community members supporting the coach.

However, board member Robin Cupka said the board should not "override and micromanage" the athletic director "unless it was a personality conflict." She emphasized that while she didn't take the decision lightly, she deferred to Troyer's judgment.

Board President Allie Shook called for the vote, with Shook, Cupka, and Stacy Patrick voting to terminate the contract, while Holm and Huff voted to retain Handley.

The athletic director's specific reasons for recommending termination were not disclosed at the meeting.

The school board will now need to begin the search for a new varsity football coach ahead of the 2026 season.