Two-time state champion football coach Carl Franke is out of a coaching job.
The Desert Hills High School administration announced Wednesday that Franke had been relieved of his coaching duties. Franke told The Tribune that the two parties made the decision after an hour-long conversation in which it became clear they had different ideas about the program’s future.
“It wasn’t a bad exchange,” Franke said. “It was just a passionate exchange that led to an agreement on both sides that we all [would part] ways — well we parted ways in the coaching realm basically — on good terms.”
Franke, who spent three years as the Thunder offensive coordinator before being named coach ahead of the 2012 season, told The Tribune that he will continue to teach physical education and weights at Desert Hills.
“The administration at Desert Hills High School has elected to make a change to our football program,” Desert Hills athletic director Troy Coil said in a statement. “We would like to thank coach Franke and his staff for their time and efforts with our student-athletes over the last six years. It is truly appreciated. We will open the position in the next couple of weeks and anticipate a selection to facilitate a smooth transition moving forward.”
Franke said he will remain in his position until National Signing Day on Feb. 7 to help his players navigate recruiting and make sure the event runs smoothly. Desert Hills offensive lineman Penei Sewell is a highly sought after offensive lineman who has Utah, USC, Oregon and Alabama as his finalists.
Franke is not, however, interested in assisting the Desert Hills football program next season. He hopes to continue his coaching career elsewhere.
“I have a lot more coaching in me,” he said. “It’s something that’s been a part of my life my whole life.”
Franke led the Thunder to state titles in 2013 and 2016 on his way to a 50-20 record in six seasons.