Brian Harris could be out as Somerville High School Girls' Basketball coach after leading the Highlanders to 260 wins, seven Greater Boston League titles and three trips to the Tsongas Arena during his 18-year tenure. Harris denies “bullying” players after last week's dismissal By Mike Rubin For 18 years, Brian Harris guided the Somerville High girls basketball team. Now the long time coach's future with the program is in doubt after his contract was not renewed by Athletic Director Nicole Viele. Harris, who won 260 games for the Highlanders and seven Greater Boston League titles, received a letter from Viele last week declining to bring him back as coach. The letter accused Harris of inappropriate body language and a confrontational attitude toward players.

According to the letter, Harris has been observed ranting at players with a loud and hostile tone by school staff and administration. The letter said Harris' fist pumping on the court during games was inappropriate.

Harris received a letter from Superintendent of Schools Anthony Pierantozzi stating that he would not be reappointed as the girls' basketball coach.

While Harris officially received the news just over a week ago, it's not news to him.

"I knew about this at the beginning of the season," said Harris about the non renewal of his contract. "I don't really have much to say about the situation and it's pretty much out of my hands. It's up to the administration to decide who they want as their coach for next year."

Harris, 55, is a well known figure in the Somerville athletic community. He is a lifelong Somerville resident, who graduated from Somerville High. He works in Somerville District Court as a probation officer.

His educational resume includes an undergraduate degree at Notre Dame University and a law degree from Harvard Law School.

Harris, who has been granted by Viele to reapply for the position, is confident he is the right candidate to retain his coaching position at Somerville.

"I'm willing to put my experience and credentials on the line against any other applicant that goes for the job,' said Harris. "The girls are like family to me, and no one quits on my teams. I've won seven league titles, including three teams which have gone to the Tsongas Center. I feel like I'm the best candidate for the job."

In the past, Harris has been reprimanded by the administration for his yelling on the court, but he denied that he is a "bully" to his players.

"What I see as motivating, she (Viele) sees as bullying," said Harris. "I was told to refrain from such actions at the beginning of the season, and I think I've done a great job doing that. I've made the adjustments and they still decided not to (renew my contract)."

Not only has Harris guided the Highlanders' squad to new and exciting heights during his 18-year reign at the program, but also has the highest academic retention rate among all of the athletic programs.

In the past season, Harris loaded up his scheduled with competitive non-league teams against Wachussett, Fontbonne, Needham and Norte Dame of Hingham. In the last regular season game, the Highlanders sparked an upset over then No.1 ranked and undefeated Wachussett Regional.

Now after a stunning 51-49 defeat to Lincoln-Sudbury in the first round of the Division 1 North tournament, Harris' coaching career at Somerville could come to an end.

For players and coaches' alike, Harris's departure would leave a huge void among the program.

"Brian is the most caring coach I've ever had,' said junior captain Kelsey Garrity. "He's like a father figure to all of us, and he'd do anything for us. I've been looking forward to having Brian as a coach since I was younger. He does everything for us, and to see him not as a coach anymore upsets me. I've known him since third grade, and if he's gone, I will be completely upset. I love Brian and he's the best. It's my senior year next year, and I just can't picture the team without him as our coach."

When Garrity first heard the news from Harris himself, she said she cried.

"It will hurt me if he's not back," said Garrity. "I was looking forward to a great senior year and I'd love to have him back. I've had three awesome years with him and its going to be rough to have someone new there if they don't re-hire him."

"Brian's loud but he's awesome. I love how he coaches and he just brings out the best in all of us as players and as people. I just don't think they understand his yelling is motivating, it means he cares and wants us to do better."