'For Me It's All About The Kids': Providence Football Coach 'Confounded' By Firing Amid Undefeated Start

NEW LENOX, IL — Providence Catholic High School Head Football Coach Tyler Plantz was asked to resign from his position just a day after leading the team to a homecoming win and a 4-0 start to the season, he said in a statement provided to The Inside Zone.

School President Fr. John Merkelis requested the Saturday morning meeting on Friday, without giving Plantz reason for it, the ousted coach said Monday.

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"Even though I asked what he wanted to discuss, I had no forewarning on the agenda," Plantz said in the statement reported by Matt Fortuna of The Inside Zone.

During the Saturday meeting that lasted less than an hour, Merkelis reportedly told Plantz of "a few disgruntled colleagues" and "a few football player's parents," the statement reads. Merkelis noted issues with disorganization related to scheduling lower level games and dissatisfaction with college recruiting.

Plantz told Fortuna he was asked to resign, with Merkelis saying he planned to move in a different direction. On Sunday, the two men met again, and Plantz refused to resign.

Plantz said that his decision to return to Providence from college football was a "deeply personal one and I would never quit on my athletes or our team," the statement reads.

Plantz's brother Zac died in a crash on Thanksgiving Day 2020, and the Plantz family honored his legacy with a "major donation" to support the school, Tyler Plantz said in the statement.

"We consider my leadership role at the school as a way to extend the benefits of that gift," it reads.

Despite Plantz declining to resign, the school announced his departure from the head coach role on Sunday. Patch learned Plantz connected with players via text message on Sunday.

The school issued a public statement Sunday.

"Providence Catholic High School is announcing a transition in the leadership of its football program as we move in a new direction," the school said in a statement. "The Celtics thank Coach Tyler Plantz for his time and service as head coach and for his commitment to our student-athletes and football program since 2022. We are grateful for his contributions to Providence Catholic and wish him and his family all the best in the future."

The team's offensive coordinator Adam Nissen was named as interim head coach and will lead the program for the remainder of the 2026 season, officials said.

Plantz, though, said that as of Monday, Sept. 14, he had not received formal notice of his termination.

"I am confounded by this decision and how it has been handled," Plantz's statement reads. "I remain proud of my contributions to Providence Catholic Celtic's success since I was named head coach. This season, we are 4-0 and ranked top 5 in Illinois and #1 in Class 5A. The last time the Celtics won in the IHSA finals was 2014.

"In the last four seasons, Providence advanced to the semifinals three times, and to the finals twice. The team has already qualified for this year's playoffs."

"... I am very proud that during the last three years, a total of 24 Celtic alumni made a commitment to play college football," his statement reads.

Plantz also led the team to a Class 5A state runner-up finish in 2025.

"For me, it's all about the kids. My ministry is to coach football as a way to help young men become the best version of themselves. I thank my athletes for all they have given me—their hard work and dedication to me, our football program and my brother's legacy."

Plantz's roots run deep within Providence, where he attended 2006-2010, graduating in 2010 before matriculating to Notre Dame, where he was a Fighting Irish walk-on. He earned a scholarship at Notre Dame for his senior year after contributing to special teams and scout team offense.

As a student-athlete at Providence, Plantz was named team captain during the 2009 season, when Providence (12-1) reached the IHSA 6A State Championship game before losing to Cary-Grove.

Following his graduation from Notre Dame with a degree in business/finance, Plantz transitioned to coaching football at his alma mater. He joined Brian Kelly's football staff in various on-field coaching roles before eventually becoming Assistant Director of Football Operations at the university. Plantz then moved on to coaching the offensive line at D-III Bethany College before taking over as head coach at Providence Catholic after Mark Coglianese retired following the 2021 season.

Plantz led the Celtics to 35 wins during his time on the sidelines.

Nissen's Resume

The school said Nissen brings 21 years of coaching experience, spending the last 11 years in the Chicago Catholic League. Prior to joining Providence Catholic, he served as head football coach at St. Laurence High School from 2019 to 2024, compiling a 37-30 record. Under his leadership, St. Laurence finished as the 2023 IHSA Class 4A State Runner-Up, and Nissen was named the 2023 CCL/ESCC White Division Coach of the Year. He was also recognized as a Chicago Bears Coach of the Week in 2019.

As Providence Catholic's Offensive Coordinator, Nissen helped lead a 2025 Celtics offense that recorded the second-highest rushing yardage total in program history.

"Coach Nissen is an experienced leader who knows our student-athletes, our coaching staff and our program," Athletic Director Doug Ternik said. "Our focus is on providing our players with stability and support as they continue through the season. We are confident in Coach Nissen's ability to step into this role and lead our football program during this transition."

Providence Catholic has one of the most accomplished high school football traditions in Illinois, highlighted by 10 state championships, school officials said. The school remains committed to providing its student-athletes with a program centered on excellence, accountability, teamwork and the values of Providence Catholic.