High school football coach reassigned over recruiting accusation

SNELVILLA, Ga. — A local high school football coach under investigation for recruiting violation allegations is fighting to clear his name.

Shiloh High School coach Brian Montgomery told Channel 2's Amy Napier Viteri he did not commit any violations when he became head coach at the Snelville school.

He said the district informed him the Georgia High School Association was looking into allegations on April 9. On Monday, he told Viteri he received a letter saying his contract would not be renewed.

"We're talking about an investigation of allegations, but there have already been actions," Montgomery said.

He said the allegations stem from misinterpreted comments made by one student who transferred to Shiloh from North Atlanta High School.

"This is information we have been misinformed on, so this should have never -- we should never be at this point right now," Montgomery said.
 
A Gwinnett County Schools spokesperson issued a statement saying, "The Georgia High School Association contacted Shiloh High School requesting information to help GHSA with its investigation into alleged recruitment violations. As a result, Gwinnett County Public Schools has launched an investigation into this matter."

The statement goes on to say that Montgomery has been reassigned to the district's central office during the course of the investigation.

Montgomery told Viteri the letter he received told him he was reassigned for the remainder of the year.

On Monday evening, students and parents rallied in front of the school with signs supporting Montgomery.

Student and rising senior football player Corey Farow said the allegations are false and he wants someone to look into the matter further.

"I don't want this to be one of the cases that people just put to the side. I want them to really look into this," Farow said.

Montgomery said no one has informed him of the status of the GHSA or district investigation.

"I'm out now, you know, searching to see what's the next move I'm going to have to make for my family," he said.

He said a school official offered him the opportunity to resign, but he declined.