Coach Dennis Scuderi and St. Augustine Prep have parted ways.
Scuderi will coach his final game as the Hermits (2-3) football coach against Absegami on Friday. Absegami is coached by Scuderi's son, Dennis Jr.
St. Augustine athletic director Tony Iaconelli will take over as the interim coach.
Scuderi said he was fired. He said the transfer this week of two sophomore players to Holy Spirit prompted the situation.
"I'm in disbelief," he said in a telephone interview Thursday night.
Iaconelli said the following in a statement released by the school:
"Coach Scuderi clearly has made a significant impact on reshaping the program and creating an atmosphere of success since his arrival. There have been many memorable moments for our program as he has established credibility to a sport that had long suffered here at the Prep.
"We have had a number of our student-athletes receive college scholarships during his tenure and Coach Scuderi has been instrumental in preparing our kids for the next level. At this point, there is a philosophical impasse between coach and the school.
"It was a difficult decision for both coach and me, but we believe it is time for new leadership and direction."
The search for a new head coach will begin immediately, according to Iaconelli.
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