Houston High School boys’ basketball coach Robert James is resigning to return home.
James was selected Tuesday night as the new assistant elementary principal at Willow Springs. He returns to his alma mater after one year in Houston.
His resignation from Houston won’t be officially accepted until the next monthly meeting on April 12.
“I have enjoyed working in this school and community,” James said. “I am thankful for being given an opportunity to coach the boys here. They are a great group of guys that I am proud of. I wish this school district the best of luck in the future.”
James does not currently have a coaching position at Willow Springs – where he coached from 2007-’15 – but the head varsity boys’ basketball coach position is vacant. Applications are being accepted through April 1.
James’ departure continues a revolving door of coaches of the HHS boys’ basketball program. Five of the last seven coaches – Wayne Jessen, Dustin Kirkman, Tom Brown Richard Rose and James – departed after one season. The other two, Rob Coffey and Brent Hall, coached two seasons.
The next head coach will be the program’s ninth different leader in the past 11 seasons.
The Tigers went 5-19 this past season under James.
Along with replacing the head boys’ basketball coach, Houston Schools must also hire head and assistant girls’ basketball coaches and head volleyball coach.
The next head coach of the Houston High School boys’ basketball team will be the program’s ninth leader in 11 seasons. Here is a breakdown of who started the season as head coach the past 10 seasons:
2015 – Robert James
2014 – Rob Coffey
2013 – Rob Coffey
2012 – Richard Rose
2011 – Tom Brown
2010 – Dustin Kirkman
2009 – Brent Hall
2008 – Brent Hall
2007 – Wayne Jessen
2006 – Aaron Griffin