Green steps down as boys basketball coach
<p>Whitefish boys basketball coach Curtis Green reacts in a game against Columbia Falls in the Western A tournament in Butte.</p>
Whitefish boys basketball coach Curtis Green is stepping down after two seasons leading the team.
Green submitted his letter of resignation April 5. He also will resign as Dean of Students at Whitefish Middle School at the end of the school year. The Whitefish School Board will consider the resignations at their meeting Tuesday, April 12.
Whitefish Athletic Director Aric Harris didn't comment on what led to Green’s resignation, only saying that the coach is looking for opportunities elsewhere.
In a prepared statement, Harris commended Green for building a strong foundation for the program going forward.
"[Green] has guided the program to be set up for future success by developing a lot of young players,” Harris said. “I wish coach Green all the best in his future endeavors and appreciate the time and effort he has committed to the Whitefish High School boys basketball program.”
The Pilot reached out to Green to comment, but he had not replied as of Tuesday.
In his resignation letter to Harris, Green thanked the district for the opportunity.
“I’ve greatly enjoyed and appreciate the opportunity to work with you, the staff and players here at Whitefish High School,” he wrote.
Green was hired as boys coach in July 2014 in the wake of a fallout with Josh Downey, who resigned just two months after he was hired to lead the team.
Whitefish went 16-26 overall under Green and missed the State A tournament each season. A rare sweep of rival Columbia Falls this season was a top highlight from Green’s tenure.
Green coached at Raymond Kellis High School outside of Phoenix prior to coming to Whitefish.
Harris said Green is leaving the program in good standing.
“We went through two seasons of having to play really young players, having to play freshmen,” Harris said. “The program has paid its dues and we’re poised to have a lot of potential. It’s set up for success and a lot of that has to do with coach Green.”
The school district will begin its search for a new coach at the end of the week.
“Ideally, we want to bring someone in as soon as we can so they have time to go through summer camps and continue to lay a foundation,” Harris said. “With a new coach there will be some philosophical changes. It takes time and it’s not an easy fix.”