CLIMAX, MI – An investigation into Climax-Scotts football coach and athletic director Tyler Langs found he engaged in conduct that undermined students and fostered a “toxic environment,” according to a statement released Monday by the district’s board of education.
The three-page statement, which can be viewed here, said Langs engaged in conduct and speech over a period of at least three years that violates the board’s policy (4201) on employee ethics and standards, and “casts aspersion on the district.”
Climax-Scotts’ board of education placed Langs on paid administrative leave in mid-October following several complaints from students and parents about his conduct as a coach.
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The district held a special school board meeting on Jan. 12, which allowed community members to speak in favor or against Langs, and drew heated debate amongst a large crowd.
During public comment of the meeting, several parents, former students and athletes spoke about concerns regarding Langs, including alleged intimidating language, public humiliation of players and demands put on athletes.
After an hours-long meeting, the district did not come to a decision on Langs’ employment status.
However, in the district’s statement that was released on Monday, Climax-Scotts Superintendent Doug Newton attempted to reach an “amicable agreement” with Langs on Jan. 16 that would maintain his employment with the district as dean of students through the 2026-27 school year.
The statement did not include an agreement to maintain Langs as head football coach or athletic director.
The district is awaiting a response from Langs.
From Oct. 21 to Nov. 18, the statement explained that the district – along with a third-party investigator — attempted to meet with Langs to discuss the allegations, but Langs refused to meet.
On Nov. 18, the investigator emailed Langs a specific set of questions – a “snapshot of allegations from the report” — to provide him an opportunity to respond. Langs submitted his response On Nov. 24, seven days after receiving the questions.
Based on the evidence collected and reviewed, the investigator made findings that included complaints that were credible, and that Langs’ written submissions were deliberately avoiding the actual allegations.
The investigator also stated that Langs didn’t communicate promptly and appropriately with students, parents or the community in his role as athletic director – nor did he conduct himself in accord with the school board’s 4201 policy.
Additionally, there were findings that Langs gave the appearance of nepotism, including favoritism, to the detriment of the district.
In conclusion, the statement said that the timeline of events have not delayed this matter or avoided any meaningful engagement with Langs. Langs has been given due process – notice of the allegations against him and an opportunity to respond – multiple times.
“The board is committed to providing Mr. Langs with due process and will review the complaints and Mr. Langs’ responses in a fair and unbiased manner,” the statement read.
Kevin Langs resigns
Climax-Scotts assistant football coach and Hall of Famer Kevin Langs will resign following the 2025-26 school year, according to Monday’s statement.
Kevin Langs, father of Tyler Langs, submitted a written letter of resignation to the district on Dec. 5, which Newington accepted this month.
Kevin Langs stepped down as Climax-Scotts’ head football coach in 2022 after a successful 23-year tenure, allowing Tyler to take over the program.
Kevin Langs led C-S to a Division 8 state championship in 2004, the program’s first-ever state title.
He served as C-S’ interim head coach following the district’s decision to place Tyler on paid administrative leave in October.