Pike Liberal Arts head football coach and Athletic Director Gene Allen has been relieved of his duties effective immediately, Headmaster Eric Burkett announced on Friday.

In his seven seasons with the Patriots, Allen spent time not only as Athletic Director and football coach, but as the golf coach. Allen also teaches physical education and science.

“Coach Allen is an admirable man in his dedication to our school for the past seven years,” Burkett said. “After evaluating our football program and our vision for success, I have come to the conclusion that a change in leadership is necessary for us to compete at the level we want to be. Thankfully, he has agreed to finish the school year as PLAS Golf Team coach, a P.E. teacher, and will remain in the classroom teaching science.

“Coach Allen will always be a valuable member of our Pike Family and I appreciate his time and sacrifice in leading our athletics program.”

Allen arrived at Pike Liberal Arts prior to the start of the 2013 season. In his first season at the helm, Allen led the Patriots to a 2-8 record. After bouncing back with an 8-4 record in 2014, Allen finished with a 40-38 record in his seven years with the Patriots.

Allen’s best season came in the 2018 season when he led the patriots to a 10-2 record. The Patriots finished the 2019 season 3-8.

A search committee has been assembled at Pike Liberal Arts and they will begin reviewing applications as soon as possible.

“I have pulled together a group comprised of student-athlete parents from various sports and levels, alumni and Sports Boosters’ officers,” Chairman of the Board of Trustees John W. Henderson said. “We will focus on finding the right person that not only exhibits talent and experience in coaching, but also we are seeking a man of good character that exhibits values of our school and can lead by example both on and off the field. I am committed to this process being as thorough and transparent as we possibly can be.”

Burkett will serve as interim Athletic Director.