WGNO

Phil Banko officially dismissed as East St. John football coach

Phil Banko

RESERVE, La. (WGNO) – East St. John’s head football coach and director of athletics, Phil Banko, was officially dismissed from his duties Monday.

Rumors of Banko’s departure have swirled for more than a week.

Banko said he met Monday with Kevin George, superintendent of the St. John the Baptist Parish public school system. “The superintendent informed me that he wanted to go in a different direction, and I certainly respect that,” Banko said.

He continued, “A part of me will always be a Wildcat.”

Banko coached East St. John for four seasons. The Wildcats made playoff appearances in all 4 seasons, and reached the round of 16 in three.

We’ll have more on this story tonight at 10 p.m.