dean bradshaw resigns

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SoCalHoops High School News

Dean Bradshaw, Simi Valley
Coach, Resigns--(Sept. 14, 1999)

The news of Dean Bradshaw's resignation at Simi High came out this morning in a couple of the local papers, chiefly the LA Times (which also published it in the "Our Times" edition, a local news supplement published weekly in Simi) and the Daily News. Both versions of the story in each paper noted that Bradshaw's resignation was motivated by his desire to step down for the next two years so that he could simply watch his son Ryan, a student and basketball player at Simi who is entering his junior year, play with the team. The articles did not mention any other reasons for the resignation, and we know of no others as we write this. There has been much speculation that the resignations were based on some ulterior motive, some dark, sinister forces at work, a player or parent revolt after last year's loss to Mater Dei in the Southern Section D-IA finals. . . we've heard them all, and frankly, we don't believe there's a shred of truth to any of them.

If we can read into anything that was contained in the news reports it's simply that Bradshaw wants to avoid controversy, avoid having his son be criticized for coaching decisions or playing time decisions which will ultimately be made, to give his son the opportunity to develop as a player without otherwise affecting the father-son relationship, and to allow Dean to, as he was reported as saying, to simply enjoy being " a dedicated father and fan."

Over the past few seasons we've gotten to know Dean and some of his players pretty well, and he's one of the nicest, most sincere guys you'd ever want to meet, a genuinely great guy, and we know that most, if not all, of the players on the team currently will undoubtedly miss his coaching skill and leadership. Rather than repeat what's already been reported about him, we'd suggest simply checking out our prior High School Previews of Simi Valley, which has some good background information on Dean Bradshaw, his coaching style and prior teams.

Eric Sondheimer's story in the Times was also informative. Here it is:

Bradshaw Resigns as Simi Valley's Basketball Coach

He ends successful and controversial 11-year reign to spend more time watching his teenage son play for school.
By ERIC SONDHEIMER, Times Staff Writer

Dean Bradshaw, Simi Valley High's highly successful boys' basketball coach for the past 11 seasons, announced his resignation Monday, saying he wanted to spend the next two years watching his teenage son, Ryan, play the sport. Bradshaw, 45, compiled a 215-81 record after replacing Bob Hawking in 1988. The Pioneers won four Marmonte League championships, were runners-up for the 1993 Southern Section Division I-AA title and semifinalists the last two years, losing to Mater Dei and Artesia.

Under Bradshaw, Simi Valley became a regional basketball powerhouse, attracting top players and controversy. A steady flow of transfers to Simi Valley angered some fellow coaches. Bradshaw's most difficult moment came during the 1993-94 season, when he was suspended for the Pioneers' final nine games for shoving senior guard Sam Rodriguez during an on-court disagreement.

Longtime assistant Christian Aurand, a former Simi Valley player, is considered the leading candidate to replace Bradshaw. Two years ago, Aurand almost became the coach at Hart before deciding to stay at Simi Valley. "[Aurand] won't miss a beat," said Coach Steve Johnson of Newbury Park, a former Simi Valley assistant. "He's very thorough and knows the game inside and out."

Bradshaw said he is not ruling out a return to basketball, but he plans to be a dedicated father and fan, watching Ryan, a junior guard at Simi Valley. Coaches expressed surprise at Bradshaw's departure. "I thought he'd see it through Branduinn Fullove and Brett Michel's graduation," Johnson said. "I know he has a very special relationship with Ryan and has seen other father-son [coaching] relationships and how difficult it can be." Bradshaw leaves with his program on top. The Pioneers return four starters from their Division I-A semifinalist team and are expected to be rated No. 1 in the region in the preseason. "I think it could be one of our best teams," Bradshaw said.

Again, we want to wish Dean and his family the best, and also hope Ryan has a good season. We'll be watching.