Salo coach contract dropped

By Pat Ryan of The Montana Standard - 11/20/2007

It’s official.

Greg Salo was fired as Butte High’s head football coach Monday at the monthly meeting of the Butte School Board.

The non-renewal of Salo’s contract was one of a list of items on the personnel action report. Without discussion, the item was passed unanimously by the board.

After six years at the helm of the Butte High grid program, Salo’s teams compiled a 22-38 record. The Bulldogs had three straight postseason appearances before the 2007 season, when the ’Dogs posted a 2-8 record.

Salo, who did not attend the meeting, issued the following statement Monday evening: “Thank you to the Butte School District for the opportunity to coach the Bulldogs for the last six years. I enjoyed every minute of it. If they feel they have to go in a new direction, that’s their prerogative.” Salo’s job as a counselor at Whittier Elementary was not affected by the move.

Butte High activities director Chuck Merrifield, who recommended to the board that Salo’s coaching contract not be renewed, was at the meeting, but could not be reached for comment later Monday evening.

The search for a new coach will likely begin soon, as the high school football season has come to an end statewide.