Students, Parents Rally For Reinstatement Of Controversial Football Coach

WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. (CBS4) - About 50 Wheat Ridge High School students and their parents rallied outside the school on Saturday asking for the reinstatement of the former head football coach.

Reid Kahl was removed from his position in October after claims he had been bullying his players. Angry complaints grew after he named his son, Ryen Kahl, the team's starting quarterback.

Kahl was removed by the Jefferson County School Board after lashing out on Facebook with foul language in response to a school newspaper article.

Ryen Kahl was on hand Saturday supporting his father.

"I don't think there was anything in there that was threatening," Ryen Kahl said. "He was a dad defending his child, and I think in that way he did was what was best for me and I respect that."

Some parents agree that he did make a mistake but not a big enough mistake that warranted his firing.

"He did make a mistake on Facebook, he was defending his son. I think he knows he was in the wrong. I think we all know he was in the wrong," said parent Mike Carlton.

Others believe that coach Kahl has always been a bully.

"He hated all the parents, he hated all the kids and he wasn't afraid to say that," said parent Scott Weakland.

Ryen Kahl says he and his family are thankful for all the support.

"It honestly just brings my family to tears. Jus tthe fact that we have so many people supporting us," said Ryen.

Reid Kahl has been transferred to a school. He will teach gym at Jefferson High School but will not be allowed to coach.