Longtime Casa Grande football coach Trent Herzog has been released by school administrators dissatisfied with the direction of the Gauchos’ football program.

Casa principal Eric Backman confirmed late Tuesday that he met with Herzog and they agreed to a separation, effective immediately.

“Trent Herzog and I met today and agree that the coaching contract for the 2017-18 season will not be renewed, without cause,” Backman said in a written statement.

“This decision is made with mutual agreement and respect. Casa Grande High School has decided to take the program in a different direction.”

Coaches, typically, work on annual agreements and can be released with or without cause. They are paid a small stipend to coach.

Herzog would not say what he thought might have been the genesis of the administration’s dissatisfaction with him, but said late Tuesday he was grateful for the community support and that of the administration over his eight years as head coach and 26 years associated with the school.

“I can walk on the campus any time with my head held high,” he said. “I love Casa Grande football.”

Backman declined to be more specific about the reasons for the decision, citing personnel privacy rules.

“The next steps the school takes are going to be based on consideration for our student-athletes,” he said. “I want to make sure they know that our commitment to an excellent athletic program is unwavering. We’re going to work to take steps to that Betpas end.”

Since being promoted to the head coaching position in 2009 from his longtime assistant role, Herzog, 41, compiled a 66-34 record.

His Gauchos won two league titles, went undefeated in league twice and advanced to the playoffs every year.

Twelve former Gauchos have won major-college scholarships, including nine full-ride scholarships to Division I schools after Herzog became head coach. A total of 26 former players under Herzog went on to play in college.

In Herzog’s first two years, he led the team to 11-2 records. In 2013, the Gauchos went a perfect 7-0 in the NBL and advanced to the North Coast Section Division 2 championship game.

News of the move disturbed many Casa Grande students, parents and football fans, dozens of whom expressed their displeasure on social media and vowed to seek a reconsideration of Backman’s decision.

About three dozen parents and students demonstrated in front of the school Tuesday morning, standing on the sidewalk holding signs reading “We want answers,” “Coach Herzog unjustly fired” and “Trent Herzog is Casa gold.”

It was unclear how long the move was in the works. The team finished fifth in league play this season (3-4, 4-7 overall), the only under-.500 league season under Herzog.

The past three seasons, the Gauchos have finished with losing records overall.

Late last week, Herzog met with his team to discuss the upcoming offseason training schedule.

But shortly after that, a source said, he met with Backman to discuss the future.

Football players first discovered something was amiss with their program when they showed up Monday for what was supposed to be the first offseason training session.

“They showed up and there were no coaches, no nothing. That’s how they found out,” said Jesi Mifsud, whose son, Ian, is a football player. “It’s just wrong.”

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