SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) – A local high school varsity football coach recently surrounded by controversy is pushed off the sidelines to learn his position has been posted.
The new principal at Junipero Serra High School in Tierrasanta says he's reopened the head football coach position.
“This is my decision as the principal at Serra High School to assess all aspects of my school and as a true leader I want to make sure we have the best people in all positions,” said Vincent Mays, Ph.D.
Coach Bryan Basteyns has led the Conquistadors for 10 years. In the last year two scandals rocked the campus surrounding his name.
Recently, the California Attorney General's Office suspended the Serra High School Football Boosters Club and the district requested an audit and an investigation into why students did not receive practice uniforms paid by the parents. Mays says parents are getting a refund.
Last year, Facebook pictures surfaced of Basteyns and another coach dressed in black face make-up as members of the Jamaican bobsled team. The coaches involved were suspended for two days without pay.
On his 19th day on campus, CBS News 8 spoke to Principal Mays during an after school meet-and-greet Listening Tour.
The new leader would not say the motive for opening up the position and wouldn't use the word fired.
“Coach Basteyns will be able to reapply for his position,” said Mays. “As the new principal it is my obligation to make sure that I assess all ends of our organization including our sporting area.”
Basteyns is still listed as the head coach on the school's website. CBS News 8 has learned Basteyns will not re-apply as head coach. However, he still has his tenured job in the classroom as a P.E. teacher at Serra High School.
Assistant coaches say they heard they would be cut from the team and are worried.
“We would kind of like to know because we owe it to the kids to let them know,” said assistant JV football coach Benny Juarez.
Principal Mays says the assistant coaches still have their position but that could change.
“The assistant coach positions will also be determined by who the head coach would be,” said Mays.
The principal says it's not uncommon to access the sports department and wouldn't say why he is starting with the football team.
“I am supporting Dr. Hays' decision because I want to see the best for Serra Football,” said Juarez.
Coach Basteyns did not want to comment about the controversy.
Principal Mays says a panel made up of community members, students and teachers will help name the varsity coach for next fall.