Following Seasons 1 and 2 of Netflix's Last Chance U at East Mississippi, the series went in search of a new program to cover. One that would provide some drama from future and former highly recruited Division I players, and coaches alike to keep fans tuned in. The bar for drama and intrigue was set pretty high.
The hit series found all that, and then some, when they decided to bring Seasons 3 and 4 to Jason Brown's Independence Community College program in Kansas.
When Season 3 of the hit series came out, coach Brown and his bravado and unique approach was a central theme of conversations about the new direction the series had taken at Independence. There was plenty of drama between Brown and players who didn't like his approach, as well as some on his coaching staff, and the series was just a peek behind the curtain.
Late last week, things came to a head when a screenshot started circulating on social media of a text message exchange between Brown and a player, where he plainly shared his disappointment with some of the players choices, before stating - "I'm your new Hitler."
That clearly crosses a line. Early this morning, Brown tweeted an interesting letter of resignation. It began with:
"To all of my supporters, players, coaches, and fans, it is with strong emotions that I announce me decision to resign as head football coach at Independence Community College. The past 3.5 years have been very special to me and my family, and I am proud of our program's many accomplishments over that period."
Brown went on to list a series of accomplishments, including landing the Netflix series and things like the best record in school history and the number of All Americans under his watch in the just less than four years with the program, as well as a handful of "Thank You's" before placing the blame squarely on the local media.
"Given what has most recently been allowed to transpire, it is clear, that it will be nearly impossible to stay here. More plainly, the Montgomery County Chronicle has greatly diminished my ability to successfully do my job, and has set this football program back significantly, and the cumulative effect of all these detrimental factors I believe clearly constitute a contructive discharge of my employment. I have been working with the College to achieve greatness for 3.5 years, and I believe we accomplished this. I urge the naysayers on campus and in town to really look at yourself in the mirror and do a self evaluation off yourself before so harshly judging others."
"Regardless, I can sleep at night knowing I led with my best foot forward and graduated our players! I don't care about anything else. We turned boys into men and made them better human beings. I leave this position with tremendous appreciation for both the opportunity and for the experience, but more than anything, I value the many friendships made along the way."
Below is the full letter and tweet from coach Brown himself.