The Independence Community College’s coach had become a national star on Netflix.
Independence Community College head football coach Jason Brown announced his resignation early Monday after a report that he’d called himself “your new Hitler” to a German player. Brown said the report “has greatly diminished my ability to successfully do my job, and has set this football program back significantly,” resulting in a “constructive discharge of my employment.” He didn’t admit to any wrongdoing in his announcement.
To all my fans, supporters, both past and present players, and coaches, please read the following letter that I have posted and please respect my decision. Much love to you all, W.I.N. FOREVER! Once a Pirate always a Pirate! #DREAMUpic.twitter.com/M88TcQKvDQ
— Coach Brown (@INDYHEADCOACH1) February 25, 2019
The report that Brown called himself “your new Hitler” during a discussion with a player came last week from the Montgomery County Chronicle.
The player, said to be a redshirt freshman named Alexandros Alexiou, reportedly shared the following on social media, which also shows the coach calling the player “u German f—,” though the exact epithet is unclear.
Former player claims Independence CC (Last Chance U) Coach Jason Brown told him, a German: "I'm your new Hitler" https://t.co/hNVEsmSkRLpic.twitter.com/XIz30oFsCe
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) February 21, 2019
Last Chance U, the successful Netflix show on JUCO football, spent Season 3 following Brown around ICC. Brown’s explosive temper was the primary storyline of at least the first half of the season, which covered the team’s 2017. Former quarterback Malik Henry disputes the show’s portrayal of Brown, and other players have spoken up for Brown on social media before as well.
Referring to himself as “Hitler” for any reason would go quite a bit beyond cussing a lot, though.
The show filmed at ICC again in 2018 for Season 4, slated to premier this summer.
The LCU crew was at the house for possibly the last time and as usual it was a great night, Greg and the crew has been a pleasure to work with and be around for the last 2 years, life goes on, but memories last forever! Much love from #DREAMU to #LCU@gregonepotatopic.twitter.com/Fs4Sj0T4s3
— Coach Brown (@INDYHEADCOACH1) February 9, 2019
The “points” in the message refer to a disciplinary system in which players who accumulate 25 are booted, per the paper.
Seemingly confirming the screenshot’s validity, the paper reports ICC president Dan Barwick said, “Independence Community College does not condone the language Coach Brown used in his message. I have spoken with Coach Brown about his message to the student, and he fully understands that his language was not appropriate.”
The school investigated, and now Brown’s leaving.