Coddens resigns coaching position at Washington

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South Bend Washington High School's girls basketball team faces Carmel in the Class 4A championship game

South Bend Washington's girls basketball team poses for pictures after being crowned regional and semi-state champions. They face Carmel in the Class 4A girls basketball championship game on Saturday, Mar. 1, 2008. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: May 5, 2008 at 6:00 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 5, 2008 at 6:00 PM EDT

SOUTH BEND — The most successful girls basketball coaching run in South Bend schools history is over.

Washington’s Marilyn Coddens made it official Monday that her 14-year tenure has concluded.

Coddens has resigned to take over as the Washington athletic director. She assumed the interim position April 28 and was scheduled to be approved at the school board meeting Monday night.

“It’s time,’’ said Coddens, who also has given up her role as a math teacher at WHS. “I told myself I would know when it’s time and I do. I would have done this (resigned) even if I did not get the AD’s job.’’

Coddens put together an incredible run, capped by the past three seasons. The Panthers went 76-6 in that span, becoming the first South Bend public school girls team to win a state championship in 2007. Washington was 245-75 under Coddens with state finals appearances the past three years.

The search for a successor begins immediately. The top candidate is Maurice Scott, the Panthers’ junior varsity coach the past six seasons. Scott is 80-26 during his tenure.

Friday, May 9 at 9:22 AM alan wrote ...

give mrs coddens credit for a job well done and some of you need to get a life and try to bring some order to your own children.

Wednesday, May 7 at 12:35 PM Kathie K. wrote ...

I played for Coach M. Coddens at Riley with her daughter on the team and she knew how to motivate, teach, inspire and play with heart and integrity. This was in the 80's at Riley. She did not show favorits. Thank you, Mrs. Coddens for touching my life in a positive way and so many others. You have never been forgotten. Enjoy your AD position. You deserve it! Kathie K.

Tuesday, May 6 at 4:54 PM Ericka wrote ...

Response to Jimmy: First off all jobs are opened to the SBCSC first. The rule before was that a head coach job had to be a certified teacher. If teachers don't bid then they shouldn't complain. However times are changing. If he's (Mo) the man then his the man. Skylar will be Skylar regardless.

Tuesday, May 6 at 4:38 PM A and A Varner wrote ...

Congratulations to a great friend. You were a godsend to myself and to Ashley. I firmly believe that with your help Ashley is now getting a first class education at Valparaiso University. You, Mr. Coddens, and Mo are like family to Ash and I. We wish nothing but the best for you. I hear a celebration at Hacienda calling.

Tuesday, May 6 at 1:19 PM just wondering wrote ...

what happen to mr. mac not one word why after all these yrs. he is being replaced????

Tuesday, May 6 at 12:54 PM Mrs. G wrote ...

She was a good teacher but on the court her team (GIRLS) ran her game.

Tuesday, May 6 at 11:30 AM greg wrote ...

hey judy....since you know nothing about sports...most high school have assistant and at times 2 assistant ad's. sbcscs is a one person show...you are ignorant and probably a sour parent because your son or daughter could not make the team or didn't play.

Tuesday, May 6 at 11:22 AM EASTSIDE wrote ...

I think that is unfair I thank MO SCOTT would make a great coach.Skylar would goes on and make her parents very proad.

Tuesday, May 6 at 11:16 AM Steve wrote ...

Are you kidding me...AD's are underpaid. Not one single person puts in more hours than AD's do. Who supervises events and babysits out of control parents at the games. Ad's should make more than the principals. Good luck to Coddens, Demski, and Dow.

Tuesday, May 6 at 11:04 AM John wrote ...

Are you kidding me...The AD has a great deal of pressure. Overseeing 19 sports and 43 teams. There is more pressure on AD's now more than ever before. They are fund-raisers, sports promoters, media relations, and who do you think schedules all of the games and lines up the umpires...Judy...you need to get an education...you probably didn't even graduate from high school

Tuesday, May 6 at 10:30 AM Judy wrote ...

I need to comment after reading Grads and Pat's comments. AD positions are over paid. Just look at the amount of money going to each schools AD position. Years ago there was only one AD for the entire system. With computers it should only take one AD. The other problem is that the AD's think they run the school they are at.

Tuesday, May 6 at 10:07 AM Pat wrote ...

Marilyn Coddens brought out the best in her players. She won a state title, and now will move to the AD position. I read with interest that credit is given to her husband, and how unfair she was. I wonder if sour grapes are involved in these words. Marilyn Coddens won games, graduated her players, and tried to make her players better people after they stopped playing basketball. She and Tom Debaets are both good examples of service to the community. Thank you Coach Coddens, and good luck.

Tuesday, May 6 at 9:08 AM WHS Grad/Parent wrote ...

It's about time she retired completely. She was never fair when it came to her varsity team. Her husband was the coach. She let her team control her.

Tuesday, May 6 at 7:06 AM ROAD DOG WESTSIDE wrote ...

Lets all be Realistic!The team was GREAT but the real credit goes Mr. Coddens as he was the ARCHITECT of the game.I do wish her well as she enjoys her $83K year SEMI RETIREMENT.

Tuesday, May 6 at 12:05 AM jimmy wrote ...

not sure if mo scott is the right candidate. he will bail after sky graduates. i am sure mccullugh will hire without properly opening to school corp. just like he did with Antwan Jones the new football coach.

Monday, May 5 at 10:00 PM Mark wrote ...

Best of luck.

Monday, May 5 at 8:12 PM mc wrote ...

she will be missed...she is a legend

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