Grand Rapids Catholic Central fires coach Chris Pearl

Coach Chris Pearl of Grand Rapids Catholic Central basketball at the Division 2 state semifinals at The Breslin Center on Friday, March 14, 2025. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School has fired boys basketball coach Chris Pearl, effective immediately. 

The school sent out a statement to the team’s parents on Monday night. 

There is no reason given as to the firing. 

The statement says “We are writing to inform you that we have dismissed Chris Pearl as our boys basketball coach, effective immediately. This decision was made in the best interest of our student-athletes and our school community.”

The statement is signed by Athletic Director Mike Jacob, Principal Abby Kanitz and President Greg Deja.

The statement continued: “We cannot share specific details due to personnel confidentiality. We want to be clear this matter does not involve any criminal activity. Nevertheless , we determined that a leadership change was necessary to best serve our students and integrity of our program.”

Pearl was reached for comment for this story.

The Catholic Central basketball team is 14-5 this season. 

Pearl was in his second season coaching the team. Assistant coach Ryer Highland will coach the team in the mean time, according to the statement.