Losing a popular and successful head coach is always a blow to a school district and program. Losing coaches because of a failed school levy is piling on.

That is what’s playing out at Vandalia Butler High School following the recent defeat of its city schools levy. The district cut 32 full-time positions. Among those were two head varsity coaches.

“We’re all saddened by the loss of all the positions,” Butler athletic director Ryan Rogers said. “We’re losing 32 good people.”

This spring has been moving season for many coaches and for a variety of reasons. The latest:

• Butler boys basketball coach Jeff Kreill is among the unlucky 32 to be informed that their teaching contracts will not be renewed.

• Same for longtime Butler head girls track and field coach Todd Tobey.

• Matt Pond has submitted his resignation as Tippecanoe’s head boys basketball coach.

• Covington AD Roger Craft also is ending a long and successful run as the Buccaneers’ head boys basketball coach.

• Chris Besecker, Covington’s veteran varsity girls basketball coach, also has resigned.

Neither Kreill’s nor Thobe’s coaching positions have been posted as open. However, that’s a mere formality barring any district redirection.

A physical education teacher for 11 years and Beavercreek grad, Kreill resurrected the Aviators in just three seasons.

The Aviators were 14-7 in Kreill’s first season and posted double-digit wins in the others. He also was a hit with administration, players and parents.

Butler hadn’t won more than six games in any of the four prior seasons before he took over.

“We want him back,” Rogers said. “If somebody in the district wants that job and they’re qualified, they could definitely take it.”

Both the Butler boys basketball and girls track positions will be posted as open.

Pond’s resignation threw Tipp AD Matt Shomper for a loss. “It was a complete surprise,” he said.

Pond, a beloved Covington figure and 1986 grad, is expected to replace Craft as the Buccs’ head coach. He leaves Tipp as the boys all-time winningest coach (190-85 in 12 seasons), having surpassed Frank Goldsberry for that honor a couple of seasons ago.

The Red Devils posted consecutive 20-0 regular seasons in 2005-07 and won a couple of district titles. Their only problem was being lumped with Dunbar in the ultra competitive Division II. Dunbar won state titles both those seasons.

Pond still resides in Covington. His oldest daughter Hannah was crowned the school’s senior prom queen. He will remain a math teacher in the Tipp district.

Shomper said he hopes to have a new boys coach in place by the May 21 board meeting. That job will remain open until Friday.

Craft was the Buccs’ head coach for 15 seasons, compiling a 181-151 record. He’ll remain in the district as a teacher and AD.

Besecker led Covington’s girls for 27 years.

“Change isn’t always bad,” said Craft about the impending new faces of Buccs basketball. “Kids are resilient.”

Pond should be approved at a May 17 school board meeting.

Contact this writer at (937) 225-2381 or mpendleton@DaytonDailyNews.com.