No headline
Sean Duff coaches the Bulldog basketball team from near the bench last season at Whitefish High School.
After two seasons coaching the Bulldogs boys basketball team, Sean Duff is resigning from the post.
The coach announced his resignation Monday, citing disagreements with some of his players’ parents and health concerns as his reasons for leaving.
Duff said several parents came to him with issues over the team’s success last season and told him they were taking their concerns to the Whitefish School Board.
“They think we should be better than we are and they want changes and they were going to make a stink about it. I’m not doing that, it’s not worth it,” he said. “It’s not worth the battle. They were going to cause problems with it, and I wish the next person the best.”
Tying that in with health concerns, Duff said he knew it was time to let someone else step in to the job.
Last fall Duff was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, a hereditary disease he was unaware of and caused him to go into severe kidney failure.
Duff is on a waiting list for a kidney transplant, but must undergo dialysis several times a week.
In his two years at the helm, Duff’s teams notched records of 7-13 and 2-18, with a combined 2-14 Northwest A conference record.
Duff will remain at Whitefish Middle School as a fifth grade teacher.
Prior to coaching the boys, Duff also coached the girls varsity team for four seasons.
Duff’s resignation comes just a month after Lady Bulldogs basketball coach Ben Johnson announced his resignation after three seasons saying he is seeking other career opportunities.
Longtime volleyball head coach and assistant principal at Whitefish Middle School Jackie Fuller resigned from her coaching position in August22017, citing disagreements with seniors on her team.
Duff said he’s sad to leave behind the players on his team, but said he’ll still be open to helping out when he can.
“The kids have been nothing but good,” he said. “It’s just sad that we continue to do these things in our programs.”
Whitefish Activities Director Aric Harris said he’s grateful for Duff’s contributions and hopes he will continue to be involved in the program down the road.
“I really appreciate everything Sean has given to our program. I think he’s been a good role model for our kids and he still has a lot to offer to Whitefish basketball,” he said. “I wish him all the best in the future.”
Harris said an opening for the head coach job was posted internally Tuesday and will open to out of district applicants next.