Coach Brian Montgomery resigns amid alleged recruiting violations

A popular high school football coach has resigned amid an investigation into claims of recruiting violations.

Brian Montgomery told Channel 2's Amy Napier Viteri he stepped down as head football coach at Shiloh High School to avoid having a termination on his record as he looks for a new job. The district informed him Monday his contract would not be renewed.

"I definitely have to do what's going to be best for my family," Montgomery said.

Gwinnett County Public Schools and the Georgia High School Association began investigating Montgomery after allegations of recruiting violations related to students who transferred to Shiloh from the coach's former school.

The father of Wil Larimore, a transfer student-athlete at the center of the controversy, addressed the issue in a statement.

"It was not our intention to state that Coach Montgomery asked us to transfer to Shiloh. Neither Wil nor I ever recall saying any such thing. In fact, the contrary occurred in that it was our decision and intention to transfer to Shiloh," Larimore’s father, Bobby, said.

Montgomery also denied any wrongdoing.

"I didn't ask players to come over there with us. They came on their own," he told Viteri.

At a Gwinnett Schools board of education meeting, Shiloh parent Jamie Keys said he wants answers about the investigation.

"From the information I have, I don't believe it happened. But if it did, our school shouldn't be singled out because it's been going on. It's been going on at all the schools", Keys said.

He said Shiloh, which finished with a 2-8 record, and Coach Montgomery, were being targeted.

"It has some real overt racial undertones. It really does," Keys added.

Parents said the biggest loss could come off the football field. Many praised the coach's focus on academics first. Football player Vincent Scrutchins said his teammates feel a sense of injustice and uncertainty about the upcoming season.

"We started a strong foundation with this new coach and taking him away, we're at rock bottom right now," he said.

Montgomery said he is disappointed to leave the work he began at Shiloh.

"I hope the kids maintain the direction we were heading in to get the program tued around," he said.
A school district spokesperson said their investigation into the allegations is complete except for procedural details.