Bryant to be reassigned
Gabriel Pruett
The Orange Leader
BRIDGE CITY — The rumors turned into facts Friday as Billy Bryant was informed he would be reassigned at Bridge City High School, ending a stellar baseball coaching career at his alma mater.
Bryant was 151-32 with the Cardinals, leading Bridge City to back-to-back state tournaments in 2005 and 2006.
“Coach Bryant has been reassigned,†Dr. Jamey Harrison, Bridge City ISD superintendent, said. “He will not be the baseball coach at Bridge City High School next year. His reassignment has nothing to do with wins or losses, or how the team did in the playoffs. I like Billy and I wish him well.â€
Because the district has a policy of not discussing personnel matters, Harrison was not able to go into detail. It is unknown at this time what Bryant’s new responsibilities will be for the school district.
Bryant has spent five years at Bridge City, winning four district titles along the way.
The Cardinals finished this past season 26-7 and won the District 21-3A title with a 13-1 mark before losing in the regional quarterfinals to defending state champion Jasper.
Jasper was also to blame for last year’s exit in the playoffs as the Bulldogs knocked out the Cardinals in the regional finals.
Jeff Stringer, who pitched for Bryant last season, was stunned after hearing about his former coach.
“It’s unbelievable,†Stringer said. “I’m really at a loss for words. I’m shocked because I really didn’t expect this. There were moments we didn’t get along but he always made you laugh and he understood the game.
“You really enjoyed the moments you had with him. There were some back-and-forths with Coach Bryant but he is just one of those people you enjoy talking to.â€
Orangefield Coach Jeff Bennett has coached against Bryant the last two seasons and knows all too well how difficult playing against the Cardinals can be.
“When you played against Bridge City, you knew you were going up against a quality program,†Bennett said. “The tradition in Bridge City has always been there and Billy did a good job to uphold it. You knew no matter what when you play Bridge City you were in for a dogfight.
“Coach Bryant is a good coach who knows the game. It is unfortunate the
way the circumstances fell the way they did. He will end up somewhere and
do a good job for that program.â€
Bridge City Athletics Director Cris Stump said the athletics program will open the position up and search for a new coach.
“We’ll post the job and see what happens,†Stump said. “It is just like any other position which needs to be filled. We are going to do what is best for our kids and our athletics program.â€
Bryant, the brother of Tampa Bay placeicker Matt Bryant, was not available for comment Friday evening, after the official word of his reassignment was made public.
Tommy Mann Jr. contributed to this story.