Former Irmo coach Hanna fired after one year at N.C. school

If it was up to Bob Hanna, he’d still be the football coach at West Brunswick (N.C.) High. That decision was not up to Bob Hanna.

After one season at the helm of the program, Hanna was relieved of his duties on Tuesday by school officials.

“It was their choice. I didn’t resign,” Hanna said on Thursday. “I had a bunch of time invested in the kids and I told them when I got there I wouldn’t quit on them and I didn’t quit.”

Hanna arrived in Shallotte after 20 years as coach at Irmo where he went 163-93 and finished as Class 4A state runner-up three times.

Hanna, who had moved to the North Myrtle Beach area, inquired about the opening at West Brunswick. He was hired in July 2014. In one season, Hanna guided the Trojans to a 5-7 finish, including a 3-3 mark in the Class 3A/4A Mideastern Conference. The team lost to East Chapel Hill in the opening round of the 3A playoffs.

A release from Brunswick County Schools said the district “felt the program needed to go in a different direction.”

“We wish Coach Hanna all the best and appreciate his service to WBHS,” principal Brock Ahrens said in the release. “We are looking for the right fit for our program and are excited to begin the search for our next head football coach.”

Calls to school athletics director Jimmy Fletcher for further comment were not returned.

Hanna took over a program that had been in upheaval since Fletcher moved over to athletics director following the 2012 season. Scott Frazier was hired in 2013, but lasted one season, followed by Hanna’s one-year run. With a new hire, the Trojans will have four different varsity head coaches in four seasons.

“Even though I’m not playing next year because I’m graduating, I’m mad because he was a good coach and he didn’t do anything wrong,” outgoing senior Chris Ash said. “He had so much in store for the returning football players. He was starting to make plans and goals and trying to work with them now.”

“I’m probably looking to help somebody if they would want me as an assistant coach,” Hanna said.

This story was originally published April 2, 2015 at 11:51 PM with the headline "Former Irmo coach Hanna fired after one year at N.C. school."