Mater Dei has been a state powerhouse for decades.
For 34 seasons the program was led by Bruce Rollinson, who established himself as one of the top coaches in high school football.
Frank McManus was an assistant under Rollinson and was elevated to the head coaching role after Rollinson announced that he was stepping away.
In just one season leading the program, McManus led the Monarchs to the CIF Southern Section Division I title and CIF State Open Division title, going 13-1 on the year.
Their lone loss came against fellow powerhouse St. John Bosco. Mater Dei avenged that loss by beating Bosco in the CIF Southern Section title game.
But a 13-win season and adding hardware to the trophy case wasn't enough to get a second season.
After one standout season, even by the high standards set at Mater Dei, the school has made the controversial decision to dismiss McManus.
The school's release of the news did not specify any particular reasons behind the decision, but The Orange County Register points to a contrasting approach between the fiery McManus and subtle and measured Rollinson as one possibility.
Randy Wright, who serves as coordinator of football operations and marketing is stepping in as the interim head coach.
Back in mid-December, another California school decided to part ways with their head coach following a championship, so this move may be higher-profile, but it certainly suggests a trend may be emerging.
Stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.