Arcadia High Names Head Football Coach

ARCADIA —  Former assistant coach Doug Smith will take over the troubled football program at Arcadia High School as head coach, replacing Alan Kaylor, who resigned after one year.

Smith, 51, a physical education instructor at Arcadia, served as facilities director at the Los Angeles Coliseum during the 1984 Olympics.

He assisted former head football coach and Arcadia Athletic Director Dick Salter with the varsity team from 1970 through 1989.

As Arcadia’s track coach, Smith co-founded the Arcadia Invitational, one of the nation’s most prestigious high school track meets.

His first challenge as football coach will be to win the confidence of players and parents, many of whom rallied in defense of Kaylor.

Kaylor, 28, reportedly quit under pressure after a 5-6 season. Principal Jerry Barshay and Salter deny forcing Kaylor out.

Kaylor said he chose to resign in December after Barshay indicated that Kaylor would not return as coach.

Sources said school officials were unhappy with the level of discipline in Kaylor’s program.

Some parents, teachers and students have said Kaylor was second-guessed by assistant coaches--two quit after he was hired--and administrators who offered little support.

On the field, the Arcadia team rallied to qualify for the playoffs after some lopsided early-sea son losses. In the process, Kaylor earned enough respect from parents and players that many signed petitions asking the administration to retain him.

In his first meeting with players Monday, Smith pledged to involve parents, build team pride and maintain conduct standards.

Kaylor, who remains an Arcadia math and history teacher, said he will seek a coaching job elsewhere.

“I wish him the best of luck,” Kaylor said of Smith. “He’s a great candidate for the job. His past history speaks for itself. If there’s anything I can do to help him, I’d be happy to do that.”