Lyndon Institute officials want to scrub references to a coaching controversy from the internet

Lyndon Institute officials want to scrub references to a coaching controversy from the internet, according to a leaked memo. The widely-circulated memo, written by Head of School Brian Bloomfield, instructs staff to delete posts, comments, and likes related to the departure of football coach Dan Nolan. Bloomfield also urged staff to share this message with others in the Lyndon Institute community. Bloomfield sent the memo at 3:56 a.m. Feb. 12 following a staff meeting. The memo and the staff meeting highlight an ongoing controversy surrounding the LI football program. Nolan and his staff will not return for the upcoming season following a performance evaluation that required him to reapply for his position. Sources suggest Nolan chose not to renew his contract after declining to make specific changes to the football program requested by first-year Athletic Director Billy Hunt. This decision comes just months after Nolan led the team to a No. 4 seed in Division II and its first home playoff game since 2013. Community members have reacted by urging the school administration to reconsider their stance. In a series of letters and social media posts, parents, athletes, and alumni have expressed their concerns, claiming their appeals have been ignored or dismissed by LI leadership, including Bloomfield, Hunt, and the Board of Trustees. A post on Facebook drew over 60 replies, most of which were critical of the school’s handling of the situation.