Bob Forsyth announces retirement at Linn-Mar, addresses accusations

MARION — For the first and only time, Bob Forsyth decided to respond publicly.

As he told The Gazette the day before, the Linn-Mar head football coach announced his retirement Friday morning via the school's football website. This is a retirement from coaching only, as the 55-year-old will continue as a physical education teacher and strength and conditioning coach at the school.

Stressing this was solely his decision and saying it simply was time to step down, Forsyth addressed controversy that had surrounded his program. Parents filed a complaint to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, accusing assistant coach Matt Casebolt of verbally and physically abusing players.

Forsyth and activities director Scott Mahmens also were named in the complaint. All were cleared after an IBOEE investigation, as they had been during two earlier investigations by the school and school district.

Casebolt did not coach this season. Mahmens retired after the 2015-16 school year.

'It was so shocking last year to have two families continually make false accusations about the program and misrepresent the number of other families having issues,' Forsyth said. 'They continued publicly with the false narrative, even after those accusations had been thoroughly scrutinized by the district and proven to be untrue.

'It was heartbreaking and frustrating to see how these false accusations victimized current and former players, coaches and other football families. The outpouring of support for our current student-athletes and the program from families, other Linn-Mar coaches and students during this tough time has continued to be overwhelming, humbling and appreciated.'

Forsyth admitted the controversy took a toll on him.

'Fortunately in Iowa, we have a very fair system in place to protect educators from these types of accusations,' he said. 'While it was a relief to have those accusations declared unfounded by the state, there was a need for some hard reflection on what had been allowed to happen, who had supported our student-athletes and coaches and, most importantly, what could be the expected outcome if something similar happened again.'

Forsyth coached at Linn-Mar for nine seasons, coming to the school from Council Bluffs Lincoln. He compiled a 51-39 record and five state playoff appearances.

Linn-Mar ended a 24-game losing streak in his first season (2008). The Lions were 3-6 this past season.

'After careful consideration of a number of factors, the decision to step away from coaching is one that I alone have made,' he said. 'There are great people in place to guide our teams and motivated student-athletes in place which makes it easier for me to feel good about retiring.

'I know that by retiring I have let a lot of football families, student-athletes and current coaches down and for that I apologize. But as we have always tried to teach our student-athletes, sometimes doing the right thing can be the hardest thing.'

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