Mariner High School (Cape Coral, Fla.) has fired four football coaches and put two others on administrative leave as it investigates events that occurred during a recent lock-in at the school.
The school sent a letter to parents on Aug. 4 stating that it relieved head coach Tyran Jones and assistant coach Kaycie Zorbas of their coaching duties due to a lack of supervision by the staff during the gathering. Four other assistant coaches who were not school district employees were fired.
While it's unclear what exactly happened during the team-building event, principal Tom Michel confirmed that no hazing took place. However, students who violated the school's expectations will be held accountable for their actions, as stated in the letter.
"While
student privacy laws prevent us from disclosing specific names or consequences, please be assured that no hazing took place and every individual involved is being held fully accountable," the letter read.
The news comes just one week before the Tritons kickoff the 2026-27 season. Mariner fell 3-7 last season under Jones, who spent just one season at the helm. Jones previously coached two seasons at Island Coast.
Doug Faase, an assistant football coach who was not present at the lock-in, has been named interim head coach, while assistant coach Luis Esposito will also remain on staff.
Mariner employees Martin Cardenas and Jake Arbuckle will also join the staff, along with volunteers Justin McEwen and Adrian Shipman.
"We believe this new coaching staff is well-prepared, experienced, and deeply committed to leading our student-athletes with integrity both in the classroom and on the field," Michel said in the letter.
The Tritons begin their season at Cypress Lake on Aug. 14.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Florida high school removes six football coaches after incident at team lock-in
