Dexter football coach resigns days after 69-0 loss
Dexter Football coach Brian Baird resigned over the weekend. Dexter lost to Pioneer 69-0 on Friday. (Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com)
Dexter High School head football coach Brain Baird resigned over the weekend. According to a press release from Dexter Public Schools interim athletic director Mike Bavineau, Baird handed in his letter of resignation over the weekend stating he was leaving the program for personal and family reasons.
"We wish him well and know that as a teacher at Dexter High School he continues to be an asset to the school and community," Bavineau said in the release.
Baird is a math teacher in the district.
Baird's resignation comes just days after the football team suffered a 69-0 loss to Pioneer. Friday's loss was the largest margin of defeat in school history and the most points allowed in school history. Baird's predecessor -- Tom Barbieri, who was fired as the head coach after ten years in 2010 -- is an assistant coach for Pioneer.
“This has nothing to do with the loss on Friday. I know a lot of people will look at it and that will be their thought, but this is to do with a health issue,” Baird said.
Baird declined to disclose the specifics of his condition stating, “That’s a family matter.”
Baird said his health condition has worsened over the past six months and after lengthy discussions with his family and physician, he decided to step down.
“It was time to do it,” Baird said. “Things were coming to a head.”
The Dreadnaughts were 3-12 under Baird, are 0-3 so far this season and in those three games have been outscored 139-14.
Baird worked with the football program in various capacities from 2002-09, but did not coach in 2010 after what Barbieri called "differences in opinion of how the program should be run," in an interview in 2011. Prior to coming to Dexter, Baird coached at Milford High School and also for 10 years in Illinois. This was Baird’s first varsity head coaching position.
Ryan Fisher, a current Dexter High School teacher, will take over for Baird and coach the team the remainder of the season according to the release. Fisher was the linebackers coach and assistant defensive coordinator under Baird.
"The focus of the coaches and Dexter administrators continues to be providing a quality athletic experience for students. Please help us support the student-athletes on the football team and wish them success for the remainder of the season," Bavineau said.
Peter Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at petercunningham@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.
Comments
HONDO
Mon, Sep 17, 2012 : 7:25 p.m.
SWEET! Now lets focus on education for oh, a decade. To many dumb jocks getting spit into society. Maybe we should focus on education at schools? Just an idea. He must only have the health issues after school......Yea I played sports, was good too. But I could truely care less if they were my legacy. I am glad that I got an education over popularity though.
Matt
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 12:09 a.m.
I am a graduate of Dexter High School and a former JV football player and math student under Mr. Baird. Being almost 22 now and looking back, neither football or mathematics have played a major role in my life, however this particular individual most certainly has. He is, in my mind, one of the most exemplary and respectable people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. It did not seem to matter to Mr. Baird whether I was a football star or an academic prodigy, both of which I can admit I certainly never was. Mr. Baird treated myself and others with an equal amount of dedication and compassion. Most importantly however he treated his students and players with respect. He was never one to sugar coat things, he was never one to dismiss an opinion or an idea a student or player had. Simply put he was, and continues to be, a good person, for no other reason than the fact that he cares. He took the time to talk to you if you were having a rough time, he took the initiative to work with you to improve something you knew you could do. He was that extra push that enabled myself, and I'm sure many others, to succeed. He wouldn't do it for you, he wouldn't water things down and make it easy for you. What he did do was to take the time to believe in you. Whether it was just a simple pep talk in the huddle, or a 30 minute discussion after class, he was one of the few people in that entire school that truly enabled myself and others to believe in themselves and their abilities. He was a person who focused on potential rather than personal shortcomings. He never gave up on his students or his athletes. I can't speak as to why he has chosen to resign, and quite frankly that decision is personal for him and his family. What I will say however is that I owe this man the benefit of the doubt, and honestly much more than that.
shepard145
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 10:57 p.m.
It's more likely Dexter has a poor football team because it's a soccer town and he had very little to work with. All they wanted to do during practice was kick the football around and play hacky sack. Soccer players never learn anything about crushing a quarterback, cross blocking or covering a quick face mask - it's like they're newborns on the field.
dreadsparent
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
Those who stay will be champions and those who don't... apparently all get jobs in Dexter. Does anyone else think there is a problem here? One defection...could be a bad fit; two...bad luck... But 4 ADs in 4 years, a vanishing Technology Director, a revoloving door in the Building and Grounds Department, and now the football coach. It appears that there needs to be an assessment of the leaders doing the hiring and decision-making.
Polecat
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 8:03 p.m.
When has Dexter been good in football? They have been the doormat along with Lincoln in the SEC for decades.
a2citizen
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 10:02 p.m.
Maybe with the right coaching one day the will challenge LSU and Alabama for the conference title.
shepard145
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 7:57 p.m.
If Dexter is THAT CONCERNED about excellence in all things, which I don't really buy, than they should take another look at their mascots. "Dreadnaughts" were obsolete WWI UK ships that were quickly blown out of the water by the German navy. .....not a good mascot - look it up kids.
mohomed
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 7:39 p.m.
A good School is about excellence and great effort in everything they do whether that's a sport or being in the band. Getting blown out 69-0 is anything but excellence and once again reflects very poorly on a school especially for anyone in the school system that doesn't mind getting embarrassed like this.
Laura Jones
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:10 a.m.
I am so dismayed that this is your opinion. Excellence and winning are not the same thing. At all. Excellence with children is about character, development of thinking and reasoning skills as well as physical health. It is most assuredly not about winning a football game or loosing by a particular margin. In fact, I would posit that losing by such a margin and displaying good sportsmanship is a fine example of solidly developing character and much to be proud of. The team did not quit, they did not walk away, they did not behave badly. The only people I see acting poorly are some of the adults positing reasons why winning is everything and this event is something to be ashamed of. Those players and coaches have nothing to be embarrassed about other than the adults who are treating their team and their coach so poorly.
shepard145
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 5:03 p.m.
This is not college or pro football. Maybe he is leaving because this class of players is just not very good and he does not want to be hammered with the losses all year. Some years teams are better then others - that's just the way it is. ....and oh yeh, health reasons.
shepard145
Wed, Sep 12, 2012 : 10:45 p.m.
Seriously, Pele and Beckham are the only soccer players you know? Beckham is an injury prone, irrelevant soccer player and Pele, while amazing, retired in 1977! All I'm saying is that soccer and football are vastly different - while football is a sport, soccer is a game, like lawn darts or tag.
bull3058
Tue, Sep 11, 2012 : 12:30 a.m.
What is wrong with being a soccer school? I think it is rather narrow minded to put soccer in the same category as kickball, some of the best athletes in the world have been soccer players (Pele for one). I am not a soccer player I played football and so have my children one in college. I have the utmost respect for a soccer athlete and know how tough many of them are. Please do not but a soccer flopper in the same category as a Beckham.
shepard145
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 10:08 p.m.
I'm just saying that while health may be a valid concern, maybe the class just stinks this year. ...somebody mentioned Dexter is a "soccer town" ...that would be a big problem for even a good football coach since those players are much more delicate and not used to playing American sports. Soccer is more of a "game", like kickball or floor hockey.....which would go a long way to explain that score.
Jen Baird
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.
Coach Baird has coached football for 24 years....in good years and bad years, with strong classes and weaker classes. First and foremost, he loves and values his players -- and made this decision in part to do what is best for them. When real health issues are getting in the way of what is best for the players, then it is time to step aside and let others carry the ball.
glimmertwin
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 2:55 p.m.
I sincerely hope he gets his health issues taken care of. That being said, I hope it really is a medical reason. Quitting when things aren't going well is not setting a good example for his players.
Jen Baird
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 8:21 p.m.
Thank you for your concern. Ensuring that his health issues do continue to deteriorate and impede his ability to teach is a top priority over coaching for our family. Health issues is NOT a euphemism for something else in this case.
Tesla
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 2:53 p.m.
Schools are for learning. Not for football. At least on my planet.
Laura Jones
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 3:43 p.m.
I'm not sure that's an appropriate question to pose. He has no obligation to prove to anyone that it is a medical condition, he has said that it is. We, on the other hand, do have an obligation to take him at his word, which is the decent and respectful thing to do, and in the absence of any poor behavior on his part, the only thing to do. One's medical conditions are private business and not open for anyone's discussion or speculation. Casting dispersion on his character is really out of bounds.
Brad
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 3:38 p.m.
I believe whatever it is it is between him and his employer and is none of my business.
josephk
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 3:19 p.m.
Do you really believe this is a health issue? He did not tell his players this and has not taken a leave from his teaching position. There is 6 weeks left in the season, he could have scaled back his involvement and at least been around the field to show committment. Yes, schools are for learning but not only what is in the books but teamwork, healthy lifestyle, leadership, arts appreciation, music etc..
josephk
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 2:52 p.m.
For what I have heard, Brian Baird is a solid person and a good well-liked math teacher. But, by walking away what kind of example is setting for his players? The common theme is that football is not a high priority at Dexter and this was a down year for talent so there weren't high expections for this team. Playing sports is about life lessons and sometimes you don't win. If he was willing to just quit, maybe it is better that he is not leading these young men.
Jen Baird
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 8:28 p.m.
"Just quitting" isn't an accurate assessment. Can't physically continue is.
Tesla
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 2:54 p.m.
There is a time to fish, and a time to cut bait. He is also very ill. You didn't read the article did you.
boo
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 2:40 p.m.
too bad for the kids. they must feel horrible about this.
chapmaja
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 2:19 p.m.
I disagree this decision had nothing to do with losing. Losing, and losing the way Dexter had recently will do a coach in. Was it the direct reason he resigned? No, I don't think so, but the stress of losing adds up and eventually it will start hurting the health of a coach. I have known many coaches, and coached another sport myself for 9 years as an assistant. The time committment when you are winning is great. The time committment when you are not winning is greater because you are trying to figure out ways to turn things around. This additional time to find ways to turn things around is what really starts wearing on a coach mentally and physically. It is pretty rare that we hear about a coach who is winning that faces serious health issues, I can think of two, Urban Meyer and that coach in East Lansing, who have had health issues while coaching winning teams. Most of the coaches I know or hear of who resign for health reasons in season do so from losing programs. I really think the stress of losing builds on a person, which affects mental health and then physical health. There is a difference between two types of coaches in this situation. Coaches like Dexter's coach realize life is more important and step down to take care of themselves, a smart decision. Unfortunately some let the coaching and health issues build to the point the helath issues are life threatening. No coaching job should be worth the life of a person. I commend the coach at Dexter for making a decision that was best for him, his family, and the community (since he is a well regarded teacher).
Brian Bundesen
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 2:16 p.m.
It's unfortunate that the headline implies that the resignation is directly related to the loss on Friday. I too, applaud the coach for prioritizing. An admirable act. I wish him all the best.
Pat
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 2:03 p.m.
It is unfortunate about the football situation and the athletic director recently stepping down-- but it's not all about football --or sports. Sure it has its problems but there are many positive aspects. Dexter has some great athletes, coaches and staff. It is a fine school district and people move to Dexter JUST because of that. Their music programs are phenomenal! And, parental support and involvement is very strong too. It may not be perfect but it's a very good school system to be in.
chapmaja
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 2:23 p.m.
If I had children I would not hesitate 1 bit to send them Dexter. Quality education, quality athletic experience (most programs are successful on the field), and most importantly a quality community. Yes Dexter has some sports better than others, but very few schools have all programs in the athletic department that are state title contending programs regularly. Pioneer has been that way in the past, and Saline is becoming close to that now. They are rare programs. Most high school athletic programs are like Dexters, with some very solid programs, and some that lag behind. Dexter's lagging sport just happens to be football. They are similar to Pinckney in that regard. Pinckney has quality athletics, but until this year a football program that was very bad. It's just how things are.
Laura Jones
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 1:09 p.m.
First of all, I wish Mr. Baird good health and congratulate him on making a wise decision for himself and his family. He has also set a wonderful example for Dexter on recognizing the correct priorities of life. Secondly, with respect to the Dexter football program, please refer the Mr. Baird's example of priorities. If you moved to Dexter so your child could excel at football, you did not do any research and you made a huge mistake. Feel free to put your house on the market and move. Dexter does have a very good athletic program which has produced many scholarship students in other sports. The athletic program serves many more sports and students than just football and it simply does not seem that football has been the preeminent sport here - nor is it likely to be in the era of budget cuts and pay to play. Could we get a stellar crop of players and suddenly leap onto the scene? Yes, but it will still be with the local coaching staff. We have a new, excellent, athletic director, who understands multiple sports and has been in the district a long time. I think we have issues about availability of programs with the new pay to play rates which are a far grater issue than our football team's record. As someone else has already states, perhaps its time for members of the community to step up and help coach. You may pay for your child to play, but that has never meant you are paying for your child to play for a winning team.
Brad
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 1:04 p.m.
Good luck Brian!
a2roots
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 12:46 p.m.
Can't imagine the pressure of teaching in the same building with the prior coach and seeing him every day then getting crushed by the school he now coaches at. Stepping on egg shells for both coaches. Coach Baird is way down the million reason list why the Dexter program has fallen off. A new direction and regime is certainly now needed.
chapmaja
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 2:32 p.m.
Dexter's football program has fallen off? That's a tough statement for a program that has had 14 winning seasons since joining the Southeastern Conference for the 1964 season. The first 4 seasons in the SEC they had winning seasons 3 years, and were .500 the next. Since 1990 they have finished with winning records (5-4 and not in the playoffs only twice, 2005, and 2010. Dexter had never made a MHSAA post-season appearance. The simple fact is, that in the last nearly 50 years, Dexter has not had a quality football program. That goes way beyond the coaches on the sideline. It reflects the community, the school system and the athletes at the school. Football is simply not an important sport in Dexter compared with other communities. There is nothing wrong with this as long as the players are getting a quality experience.
kms
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 12:38 p.m.
Things certainly seem to be a mess with Dexter athletics...problems with keeping an athletic director and now coaches. I can't imagine the parents are too happy with all of this. After years of seeing them compete, the Dexter community takes their athletics seriously ...parents are involved with well-run tournaments and the kids are great athletes. I hope they get it together soon. I feel sorry for the kids and glad mine don't attend Dexter schools.
Doug
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 5:25 p.m.
Your kids may well be missing a fine education.
tim
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 12:30 p.m.
It takes a big commitment to be competitive in class A football. My sense is Dexter is more of a soccer town ( and they're good at it). Football is the main religion for Michigan's most competitive programs.
ownrdgd
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 11:53 a.m.
Maybe some of the parents who berate all the past coaches can step up and "put up or shut up". Lets see all the flap jaws do a better job Really justifies spending all the funds that went into the new field doesent it. Dexter needs to clean house from the top to the bottom
chapmaja
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 2:38 p.m.
If you think that stadium field was just about football uyou are sadly mistaken. Those fields are multi-use facilities. How many events take place on those fields each week? The simple fact is grass fields get worn down when they are used for multiple events like they are. Worn down grass fields become unsafe and lead to injuries. The simple fact is these new turf fields are expensive to install but are much cheaper to maintain. You don't need to cut the grass, you don't need to paint the lines, you don't need to pay someone to do that work. The only maintaince these fields need is to make sure the drainage is clear and to make sure the field gets its required 5-10 year maintaince. That's it. In the long run these facilities don't cost anywhere near as much money as grass fields do. The other advantage with a turf field is that heavy rain doesn't impact participation the same way it does on a grass field. Wet grass fields are a safety hazard to players. These turn fields are designed to take in 2 inches of rain per hour without becoming unstable.
mohomed
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 11:44 a.m.
This school needs some leadership BAD! This reflects the whole school right up to the superintendent and that whole $250 or so to play one sport and still more money to play others. Dexter needs to clean house!
mohomed
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
Agreed but this article is not really about education but about a sport and it's a top headline in the AANews. That being said a good School is about excellence and great effort in everything they do whether that's a sport or being in the band. Getting blown out 69-0 is anything but excellence and once again reflects very poorly on a school especially for anyone in the school system that doesn't mind getting embarrassed like this.
Doug
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 5:23 p.m.
I'm sorry, mohaomed, but education comes first and Dexter provides an excellent one. Were you at the commencement to see all the honors and scholarships Dexter students received?
a2trader
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 11:42 a.m.
Let's just make sure we don't also lose Mr. Baird as a teacher. He is an excellent math teacher and, as Mr. Bavineau says, an asset to the school and community.
I like Chicken
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 10:28 a.m.
Man....this school can't catch a break.