Mariner High School in 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.
According to Ansley Gavlak of USA TODAY, siting initial reporting by The News-Press in Fort Meyers, a letter sent to parents Tuesday by the school 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.
This follows news earlier in the week that Jones had been suspended.
Related: High School Football Coach Suspended Amid Investigation of Incident at Overnight Team-Building Event
"While it's unclear what exactly happened during the team-building event, principal Tom Michel confirmed that no hazing took place," Gavlak wrote. 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 Aug. 14. Jones guided Mariner to a 3-7 record during his lone season at the helm. He previously coached two seasons at Island Coast.
As reported by Gavlak, 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, per USA TODAY.
