The Oxnard College basketball coach was terminated by the Board of Trustees in a four to zero vote Tuesday.
Jeff Theiler was the OC head coach for one year after leaving the assistant coaching position at Ventura College. VCCCD Chancellor James Meznek spoke at the meeting held at Moorpark College.
“The district position in this matter is based off facts,” said Meznek. “The facts as presented to the employee speak for (themselves). I have nothing to add.”
Theiler was placed on administrative leave 10 months ago in April after an investigation began that included two other coaches in the district.
Theiler believes that he had been misled by the school district because on Oct. 31, he received documentation that said the VCCCD was recommending that Theiler be terminated from his position.
“The letter just said termination,” said Theiler. “They never stated the reasons why I was being terminated.”
On Nov. 11, the district sent Theiler another letter informing him his termination was based on an education code that provides for the dismissal of part time employees at any time.
Theiler said that the reasoning for his firing is too delayed.
“They could have used that code at any time they wanted to because it’s within their right,” he said. “But now, they decided they wanted to drug up a bunch accusations, which are un-provable, stretch this thing all the way through the summer, into the fall into the basketball season, were I can’t obtain employment.”
The decision brings a 10-month long battle to an end.
Oxnard basketball players in attendance declined to comment.
Many of Theiler’s family members as well as community members were on hand to speak on Thieler’s behalf before the decision was handed down.
Thieler’s coaching reputation consisted of trying to lead his players in the right path, as well as create a winning program.
“Basketball is just a diversion to get through school, it’s not the end result,” he said. “The chances of getting paid to play basketball are slim to none, but the chances of getting a degree are very good.”
Thieler had implemented such programs as faculty and management mentors, which made players that they were required to meet with every Sunday.
All of his players were required to sit in the front two rows of class, were not allowed to wear hats or headphones in class, dress appropriately and once they entered the classroom, they were not allowed to leave the class until it ended.
Regan Anderson was optimistic about Thieler’s coaching style before the season had begun.
“All the players love him,” said Anderson. “He knows how to win and he’s a very fair coach.”
Former Oxnard College basketball coach Jeff Theiler reacts to the Board of Trustee’s decision to fire him after being under investigation for 10 months. His wife Jennifer sits by his side. (Christian Randolph)
