Rick Brown says he never saw it coming.
In his own words, Brown was "fired" Tuesday as Camden Catholic's football coach after six seasons.
The veteran football man who compiled a 37-25 record and led the Irish to five postseason tournament berths was stunned by the decision, especially its timing.
"If you're going to fire me, fire me in December," an emotional Brown said Tuesday night. "Not on May 10, after all the jobs have been filled, after we redo the weight room for the second time in my six years."
Camden Catholic issued a statement saying that Brown would be "leaving" the school after "six years of distinguished service."
Camden Catholic athletic director Marlene Grimes did not return a phone call Tuesday night.
In the statement, Grimes said, "we wish Coach Brown the very best as we both go forward."
It was unclear if any members of Brown's coaching staff would be retained, or emerge as candidates for the head-coaching position.
Last year, Brown hired South Jersey attorney Gil Brooks, who was a highly successful head coach at St. Joseph's Prep in Philadelphia, as defensive coordinator.
Brooks, who was adept at attracting top talent to St. Joe's Prep, could be a top candidate for the position.
Brown said he met with Grimes at 9 a.m. Tuesday and was told that Camden Catholic "wanted to go in another direction" with the football program.
Brown vigorously defended his program, especially in terms of the academic achievements of his players.
"We have a team coming back next year that we think can contend for a state championship," Brown said. "Of our 59 returning players, 28 have a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher. I think that's the right direction."
Camden Catholic went 5-5 last season. The Irish are scheduled to return several top players next season, including rising seniors in quarterback Anthony Sweet, running back Mike Blandon, wide receiver Pete Galliano, lineman Marcus Coleman and defensive back Darren Bouzakis, and one of the state's top rising juniors in linebacker Jared Alwan.
Brown said he met with several players at the school Tuesday.
"The big thing to me is I preach to these kids to stand up for what they believe in," Brown said. "I'm not going to tell these kids I resigned. I'm a football coach. I love these kids.
"I just don't understand how they can fire somebody who gave their life to a school and not even tell them why. It's one of the worst experiences of my life."