Longtime Bullard High School teacher Don Arax is out as the Knights’ football coach.

Fresno Unified School District spokesperson AJ Kato said the controversial coach “has been released from his role with the team.”

“We cannot provide details on personnel matters, but would like to clarify, he has not been fired, and will retain his teaching position,” Kato said in a statement to GV Wire.

Calls made to Arax were not returned.

Athletic director Brandon Gilbert will serve as interim head coach. Gilbert previously acted as the team’s defensive coordinator.

Arax has been head coach for Bullard football for more than 20 years. The team is currently 1-4.

“We know the players and coaching staff will be in good hands,” Kato said.

Arax, District Have Been at Odds

Arax and FUSD trustees have found themselves at loggerheads.

In May 2022, FUSD trustee Keshia Thomas accused Arax on GV Wire’s Unfiltered Podcast of making a racial slur against her son when he was playing football. Arax not only denied the accusation but filed a defamation lawsuit against Thomas.

The Fresno County Superior Court has since put a stay on the lawsuit.