SHERIDAN, Ind. — Legendary high school football coach Larry "Bud" Wright says he has been forced to resign as the head coach for the Sheridan football team.
Wright, who turns 84 on Dec. 13, says he was accused of verbal abuse of a player. That lead to a one game suspension in 2024. Wright said that he was given an ultimatum: resign or be fired.
“Over the last two years it had become more and more impossible to work under all the directives imposed by the Athletic Director on the football program,” Wright said.
13News reached out to Sheridan Schools for their response and received the following statement from Superintendent David Mundy:
"During the 2024 season, Sheridan Community Schools worked with Coach Wright regarding his coaching future. After discussion and consultation with his family, Coach Wright agreed that this would be his final season."
Wright is the winningest high school football coach in Indiana history, with more than 450 to his name. He led the Blackhawks to 9 state championships. Wright says he may not be done coaching football in some capacity.
His son, Kevin, just took over (again) as head coach of the Carmel High School football team.
His first missed game in his last season
Wright missed his first game ever earlier this year after breaking his arm and shoulder. As the team prepared for their season opener, Wright was rolled into St. Vincent Hospital.
A week before, Coach Wright was on the field, standing 10 yards behind his offense, during a scrimmage at Crawfordsville.
"An athlete from Crawfordsville made a perfect highlight tackle on the quarterback, drove him right into me and drove my right shoulder into the ground,” Wright, speaking as he arrived at the hospital, said. “The quarterback landed on me, and (the defender) landed on top of the quarterback."
Wright said the Crawfordsville player kept apologizing, but the coach said he told the player no apology was necessary for making a great play.
"I love football,” Wright said. “Ever since I can remember, I just loved the game and such. And I love working with the young athletes and such and watching them develop."