FORT SMITH - The Fort Smith Public Schools have confirmed that a head basketball coach will not be on the sidelines, at least for a little while. District Athletic Director Dr. Darren McKinney says that Northside Grizzlies Coach Eric Burnett will be stepping away from his duties for an undetermined length of time, with full pay.
“Coach Burnett has taken a leave of absence,” McKinney told InsideFortSmith.Com on Monday. “Assistant Coach Greg Scott has taken over and will fill in until the issue is resolved.”
McKinney would not elaborate on the reasons for Burnett’s leave.
Burnett led the Grizzlies to the Class 7A State Championship in 2017 when they edged North Little Rock 50-49 in the final game. He was hired in 2010 as head coach after a successful run in the same position at former conference rival Springdale Har-Ber.
In addition to his coaching duties, he is also a current member of the Arkansas Tech University Board of Trustees, having been appointed by Governor Hutchinson to serve through 2022. He served as chairman of that body in 2015. Burnett was a standout basketball player for the Wonder Boys, and still holds a record for three-point shooting.
