WHAT WE KNOW: Akron Buchtel athletic director and head football coach placed on administrative leave

Akron Buchtel Community Learning Center. (Akron Public Schools)

AKRON, Ohio — Bryan Williams, who serves as the head football coach and athletic director, has been placed on administrative leave, according to Akron Public Schools.

Statement from Akron Public Schools Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications Joanne Issacc:

“As this is a personnel matter, the District will not comment further on the circumstances or details.” That’s the official line. What we do know is that Tahj Dent has stepped in as interim head coach, a role he’ll continue in “pending further notice.” The District wants to ensure “continuity for our student-athletes and football program,” said Joanne Isacc, APS, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications.

Williams did not coach in an October 17 game against Akron Garfield CLC or an October 24 game against Akron East CLC, which was their final regular-season game and was mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. 

What happened?

According to recent reports, Akron Public Schools self-reported to the Ohio High School Athletic Association that it had academically ineligible players [no exact number of players] playing before the Akron Garfield game, which also implicated Akron North in the same situation. 

Because of the self-reported violations, the team had to forfeit four competitions: the Week 3 matchup against Lake Catholic, the Week 4 matchup against Lutheran East, the Week 6 matchup against Akron North [double forfeit], and the Week 7 matchup against Akron Firestone.

Tahj Dent was appointed interim head coach after Williams was placed on administrative leave.

Coincidentally, Former Akron North head coach DeMonte Powell was placed on administrative leave but then resigned his position on October 3 not clear if this was the cause for his departure just seven weeks into the football season, according to Akron Public Schools Executive Director of Human Resources. 

North had to forfeit just two games. 

Since assuming the head coaching position at Akron Buchtel CLC on May 10, 2021, Williams has compiled a record of 26 victories and 37 defeats, while leading the program to three playoff appearances.

We will follow up as more information becomes available.

*Ohsfbmedia.com disclaimer: This is all preliminary information*