Tony Cade will step behind the helm of the Ontario Tiger football ship this season, replacing former head coach Erik Johnson. Cade was hired in June. (Photo courtesy of Tony Cade)
UPDATE: This story has been updated with additional details.
ONTARIO – Tony Cade, head football coach at Ontario High School, has resigned under circumstances that haven’t been disclosed.
The Ontario School District announced the change Thursday morning, just one day ahead of the Tigers’ homecoming game Friday against Baker.
“We regret to inform you that football coach Tony Cade has resigned from his head coaching position. We recognize that the timing of this decision will be difficult for those involved as it is homecoming week. However, our OSD family respects his decision to step down and remains focused on what is best for our students,” the district said in a statement.
Cade couldn’t be immediately reached for comment. He previously coached football at Burley High School in Idaho for the past two years and was an assistant coach for a Blackfoot, Idaho, program that clinched four state titles.
Cade said earlier this year that he has coached football for 18 years. Before that, he played college football – as a long snapper and outside linebacker – for Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky.
“I am looking to build a program and friggin’ rebuild every year. I look at this program as from fourth grade all the way up to 12th grade. I am excited to move my family up here,” said Cade earlier this year.
“Our intent now is to surround our players and coaches with the support they deserve this Friday at our homecoming game against Baker High School,” the district said in its statement Thursday. “Be assured that we will act in a quick and appropriate manner to name an interim head coach.”
Taryn Smith, district spokeswoman, said players were told yesterday at practice about Cade’s resignation.
Coaching staff at Ontario have been discussing who will take over for Cade, and will come up with a leadership change soon.
“They voted and I think they have a pretty good plan but again nothing has been officially stated,” Smith said.
Cade will remain in a teaching position with the Ontario School District, Smith said.
“The resignation just cited head coaching position,” Smith added.
Cade posted on Facebook early Thursday morning, writing, “People will often cast blame and tell you what your doing wrong when they have reason to, especially if they feel threatened and see you as their competition. It is disheartening to me, more so as a father and an educator, than a coach, to see the disservice people give to others by not even being around people to see the whole picture vs believing the stories of the few nay Sayers.”
This is a developing story and the Enterprise will bring you more information as it becomes available.
Correction: Cade teaches social studies at Ontario High School, according to the principal. An earlier version incorrectly said he was teaching PE. The Enterprise apologizes for the error.