Lanphier football coach says he resigned after dispute with school district

Lanphier football coach Ademola Adeniji has resigned, he said in a phone interview with the State Journal-Register on Tuesday.

Adeniji, who was promoted in February , said he was placed on administrative leave on Friday before resigning Tuesday morning. Adeniji said it stemmed from a dispute over practices and fundraising.

The Lions open the season at Lincoln on Friday, August 30.

“We had conversations due to my practice schedule along with my fundraising schedule at the (Illinois) State Fair and we did not agree on that and so they then proceeded to take measures to place me on administrative leave,” Adeniji said.

Adeniji said he decided to hold off on practice so that the team could focus on fundraising at the state fair before returning to practice this week. He said the team volunteered from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. on those days present at the fair last week.

“Unfortunately we’re not in a solvent financial situation, so in order to operate this season, it was very imperative, I felt, to take on a good amount of the state fair availability to give us a boost,” Adeniji said.

Adeniji said the money was to be used for game equipment, workout gear, food and other items.

“My boys unfortunately come from homes that aren’t the best homes at times, so we try to feed them as best as we can,” Adeniji said. “Just a lot of it is when you’re trying to take care of 50 boys, freshman, JV and varsity, you’ve got to have some money.”

Adeniji said he still wants to be a coach and is currently pursuing a physical education teaching certificate.

According to a Channel1450.com social media post, assistant Brandon Miller will be the interim head coach.

Lanphier athletic director Chris Hampsey did not immediately return a phone call.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Lanphier football coach says he resigned after dispute with school district