South Summit School District, coach Jerry Parker release joint statement

Jerry Parker's firing as South Summit's boys basketball coach was big news in early March. The South Summit School District was heavily criticized in the community for firing Parker after he led the school to a state championship in 2010 and a runner-up finish in 2011.

On Thursday, Parker and the administrators seemed to have patched up their differences as they sent the following joint statement to the media.

"South Summit High School and coach Jerry Parker would like to announce that he will continue to serve as the head football coach. Coach Parker has developed a quality program taking his teams to the championship game the past two seasons. The high school and district administrations as well as the School Board congratulate coach Parker on his success and express their support and confidence in his coaching abilities.

"Coach Parker also wishes to express his support for the Board of Education and school administration and their duties and work. Coach Parker, school administration and the Board of Education are looking forward to working together to ensure the continued success of the football program and offering a great experience for the athletes and the fans."

The press release make no mention of Parker's firing as boys basketball coach, one of four coaches terminated at the end of the 2010-2011 season.

Along with Bull Keisel's controversial firing at North Sanpete after leading the school to its first region title in 27 years, Northridge's Bryan Veazie and Beaver's Shay Goff were also fired.

Northridge coach Bryan Veazie was let go in less controversial fashion after leading the Knights to a combined 11-33 record in two seasons.

Goff had been head coach at Beaver for three years, and his team finished with a 6-15 this past season. Beaver has had just two winning seasons since winning the 2002 state championship, and Goff seemed optimistic that he was turning the program around.

Four other schools had their coaches resign at the end of the season, including a pair of 5A schools. Brighton's Lyndon Johnson and Granger's Kurt Schneider both stepped down after leading their teams to a state tournament appearance.

Canyon View's Jim Langford and Liahona Academy's Jeremy Long also resigned.

James Edward is a Deseret News prep sports editor and Real Salt Lake beat writer.