NewsRegionMacomb County

Actions

Warren De La Salle hires new football coach after previous one ousted during hazing scandal

Posted at 11:23 AM, Mar 02, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-03 06:44:58-05

WARREN, Mich. (WXYZ) — Warren De La Salle has hired a new football coach after the previous one was ousted during the school's hazing scandal.

Dan Rohn has been named the new football coach, with 18 years of head coaching experience, a school representative said.

In December 2019, it was announced that former coach Mike Giannone was no longer working at the school. The announcement came after a hazing scandal in which seven students have been charged.

The charges are directly tied to new evidence after a new parent came forward after the St. Clair County Prosecutor originally declined to press charges the day before. Sources tell us there are two victims in the case, and new evidence was learned after that parent came forward.

Giannone's departure led to protests from some parents, who said Giannone was a "leader of men."

The students involved in the investigation filed a lawsuit, claiming they are being discriminated against due to their race. They note that of the 13 students initially implicated, the only students who were suspended are minorities, while the remaining ten students have faced "no discipline whatsoever" and are Caucasian.

Rohn has been named the 19th head football coach in the school's history. He previously coached the West Catholic High School Falcons and captured four state championships, including three strait from 2013-15. The Falcons' undefeated 2014 championship team set a school record for most victories in the school's history.

After the 2015 championship, Rohn became a run-game coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Ferris State University. He was then elevated to assistant head coach.

“It’s a pleasure to be able to welcome Dan Rohn to our Lasallian community,” President John M. Knight said in a press release. “Dan’s background of success in forming young people of faith, compassion and conviction is a great fit for De La Salle Collegiate.”