Garrison Quits, Leaves Burroughs Coachless

One day after the firing of his co-coach and staff, Burroughs High Athletic Director Marty Garrison said he will not return to the football team next season.

“No, I have no plans to come back,” Garrison said Tuesday. “I was really just helping out last year. I’m not going (to apply for the job).”

Garrison’s decision follows the dismissal Monday of co-Coach Jay Gudzin and the rest of the 15-member coaching staff by school principal Tim Buchanan. School officials said Buchanan believes the program needs new direction.

Garrison will remain in his post as the school’s athletic director. Gudzin retains his position as a metal shop and drafting teacher.

Gudzin was surprised by his firing and its timing. He said Buchanan repeatedly pledged support for him and for the direction in which the program was moving.

“I don’t know where this came from,” a perplexed Gudzin said. “He told me at our banquet (in January) that he was behind me and that he would do anything he could for the program.”

Buchanan did not return phone calls on Tuesday.

Garrison and Gudzin suffered through a tumultuous first--and only--year at the Indians’ controls. The team went winless in 10 games and finished last in the Foothill League.

It is believed Buchanan will seek to hire a top coach from outside the district. Stan Quina, who was fired Saturday as the Simi Valley coach, has been mentioned as a possible successor.

Quina, 37, was a walk-on coach for the Pioneers the past three seasons.

“I’m not saying that I’m interested and I’m not saying that I’m not interested, but I’d be silly not to call them and see what they’re looking for,” Quina said when told of the Burroughs opening. “I’m definitely going to see about the situation.”

Quina has experience turning around programs.

Simi Valley was 0-10 during his first season in 1990. The Pioneers were 7-4 during the ’91 season and went 7-5 last season, finishing third in the Marmonte League.

The Pioneers advanced to the second round of the Southern Section Division III playoffs where they lost to eventual champion Hawthorne, 18-14.