Former Whitley County Basketball Coach Mark White speaks about firing

One day after being fired as Head Basketball Coach at Whitley County High School, Mark White talked about the decision.

White said in a phone interview Thursday that he has no hard feelings toward anyone over the decision, but officials offered him no reason behind it.

“The only thing that they said to me was they just didn’t like the direction of the program,” White said when asked what he was told by Whitley County officials.

Neither Whitley County Superintendent John Siler nor Athletic Director Bryan Stewart returned calls seeking a comment.

Stewart had sent out a press release Wednesday stating that White was no longer with the program, but not giving a reason or further explanation.

With 32 years in the coaching profession, White said he is taking the move in stride.

He will continue to work at Whitley County High School. In addition, he will use the newfound free time to visit with his children, spend more time with his girlfriend, and root on the Colonels.

“I’ll be cheering the guys on,” White said. “I love the kids. They deserve the support.”

“They are a hardworking group and deserve success,” White said.

White had just begun his second season as the head coach at Whitley County.

After struggling to a 4-16 record in 2020-21 following the sudden departure of multiple players early in the season, Whitley County had started this season off, 2-0.

White said that came in spite of injuries to Trevor Downs and Jamie Fusion, who were both slated to be starters this season.

“I’m a spiritual person. I believe God has a plan,” White said.