Just over a month after he was fired as Providence’s head coach in a move that shocked many, Tyler Plantz will be back on the sidelines Friday night — this time as part of the Mount Carmel staff.
Plantz confirmed to the Daily Southtown that he will be coaching the Caravan when they take on Loyola.
“I came out to Mount Carmel last Thursday just to help out in any way I could and to get to know everyone,” Plantz said. “I’ve been at practices this week and I’ll be on the sidelines for my first game (Friday night).”
Plantz said he hasn’t yet been given a specific role in terms of a positional group or offensive or defensive coaching assignments.
“Right now, I’m just helping out wherever I can,” he said. “Anywhere they need me. We haven’t even talked an official job title or anything like that, but I’m just excited to get back out around football.”
Providence announced its decision to remove Plantz as head coach on Sept. 13, two days after the Celtics improved to 4-0 with a 31-7 win over Carmel.
Former offensive coordinator Adam Nissen has served as Providence’s interim coach since, with the Celtics going 2-2, including a 49-14 loss in Week 7 to Plantz’s new team, Mount Carmel.
Plantz, a Providence alum who played and coached at Notre Dame before returning to his alma mater, acknowledged that it felt weird putting on Mount Carmel colors over the last week.
But his longtime relationship with Caravan coach Jordan Lynch helped make it an easier transition.
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“I think the brown gave me hives when I first put it on,” Plantz said, with a laugh. “But I’m just appreciative to coach Lynch for the opportunity.
“Jordan and I played against each other back in the day in high school. We’ve known each other a long time, so it’s fun to get the chance to work with him.”
Plantz took over as Providence’s head coach in 2022 and was 35-19. He led the Celtics to a 4A runner-up finish in his first season and another runner-up showing last fall in 5A.
Although he said it’s been “a crazy last few weeks,” Plantz feels ready to move on from the dramatic conclusion to his tenure with Providence.
“I’m turning the page on all of that,” he said.
Mount Carmel (6-2, 1-1), which has won four straight state championships, headed into Friday night’s game against Loyola (8-0, 2-0) looking to win a share of the Catholic League Blue title and lock in a bye for the opening round of the playoffs.
Plantz will be there to help the Caravan accomplish that feat. He’s excited to make his return to coaching.
“It’s refreshing to be coaching again,” Plantz said. “I’ve loved every second of these last few weeks, getting to spend more time with my family and being Mr. Mom for a little bit.
“But I’m ready to be back out there on the football field.”