GALION — With the start of the high school basketball season just weeks away. Galion is still searching for a boys varsity coach.

Colby Bright resigned last week, and athletics director Kyle Baughn has been on the search for a new coach to take the reins since.

He said the district is close to an announcement.

“I have recommended a coach to Superintendent Jim Grubbs,” Baughn said. “The candidate has to accept, and be board approved. I expect Jim to make an announcement Monday if everything goes smoothly.”

With the season right around the corner, why did Bright resign?

“I decided to step down after talking with my inner circle and people I trust. I hought it was in my best interest to step away,” he said.

Allegations of abusive language by Bright have circulated for months.

Bright was head coach for Galion just a single season. The Tigers were 12-12 overall and 6-8 in Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference Red Division. Bright’s team won a sectional title, defeating Castalia Margaretta; 52-35, but lost to Western Reserve, 65-47, in the district tournament semifinal.

“The reason I waited so long (to resign) was because I thought the anonymous emails would stop, and it just never happened,” he said. “Had I been left alone, I’d still be coaching.”

Bright expects to continue coaching track next year alongside Todd Roston. He coaches sprinters and jumpers.

He steps down with no hard feelings toward the school district, the basketball program or any the administration.

“I wish the new coach all the best and hope to see the program taken to another level,” he said. ‘I am rooting for the kids to do well, because it’s about the kids and their success at the end of the day.”