Supporters urge reinstatement for Coach Fallon

Unhappy with the circumstances surrounding the removal of Anthony Fallon as Canton High’s head football coach, a group of approximately 35 parents, players and alumni took their message to the School Committee last week, touting his track record as coach while urging school leaders to reinstate him.

Fallon, a CHS alum and former Bulldog player, last coached in a game in late September, at which point he was placed on administrative leave due to an assault charge. Although the charge was later dropped, the school chose not to reinstate him and has since launched a search to fill the position.

School Superintendent Derek Folan did not speak after the public comment period and deferred comment to CHS Athletic Director Danny Erickson and Principal Jeff Sperling.

“We appreciate the community’s comments and strive to maintain an environment where people can speak up and be heard,” Erickson said in a statement. “But, as this is a personnel matter, we are not at liberty to discuss the details around this decision. It is important to note that appointments for coaches are always just one year in duration, which provides the opportunity for the school to evaluate every position on a regular basis. Our decisions concerning coaching positions are never made without great consideration and are always made with a comprehensive look at the student athlete experience. The position is currently posted, and we have begun the process of appointing our coach for the 2026 season.”

Sperling echoed Erickson’s sentiments while offering his assurances that “no decisions are made in a vacuum,” adding that each situation has its own variables and complexities. “We will continue to uphold the highest standards for the students of Canton High School, and all decisions are made through that lens,” said Sperling.

School Committee Chair Kim McCourt also thanked those who spoke up at the meeting but noted that the committee does not get involved in personnel decisions. “While we hear and acknowledge your concerns, it is important to clarify that the School Committee does not have the authority to hire or reinstate staff members, including coaching personnel,” she said. “These are building-based matters handled by the high school administration.”

During the comment period, parent Larry Pushard said not only did Fallon teach the players the fundamentals of football; he also instilled discipline and sportsmanship and taught them how to be winners. Pushard characterized the decision not to reinstate Fallon after being cleared of the assault charge as an injustice and urged school officials to make a “right out of a wrong.”

Frank Tricomi, who led the Bulldogs to their last Super Bowl appearance in 1987, noted that Fallon was an integral member of that year’s team and has been a good leader for the program since taking over as head coach in 2020.

Porter, whose son is on the team, noted that Fallon was initially placed on leave but was later terminated despite the charge against him being dropped. Porter said under Fallon’s coaching, 19 CHS players have gone on to play college football while the Bulldogs have reached the state playoffs in three consecutive years.

Mark Grossman, a former CHS player, said parents are owed an explanation as to why Fallon was terminated. “Canton should be better than this,” he said …

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Posted by Mike Berger on Jan 16 2026. Filed under News, Schools. Both comments and pings are currently closed.