Fired B-CU coach sues university

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Alvin Wyatt, the winningest football coach in Bethune-Cookman University's history, has sued the school, claiming breach of contract for firing him in November after a 5-6 season. Neither Wyatt nor his attorney could be reached for comment Thursday, but the lawsuit filed in circuit court Wednesday claims the 62-year-old coach was "wrongfully terminated" without cause and without written notice, as required in his contract with BCU.

Alvin Wyatt, Sr., former head football coach, B-CU.
















Wyatt seeks more than $800,000, including five years of his base salary of $90,000, five years of television appearance income at $35,000 per year and five years of "additional guaranteed income" that totaled $40,000 in 2009. The suit also opens the door for a possible age-discrimination action in federal court after the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission completes its review of the case. Former Rutgers assistant coach Brian Jenkins, 39, was hired to replace Wyatt in December.

Liz Poston, a university spokeswoman, confirmed that B-CU has been served with the complaint, but declined to comment, saying the university has a policy to not discuss personnel matters publicly. Athletics Director Lynn Thompson also refused comment. Wyatt was fired on Nov. 23, 2009, two days after the Wildcats lost to arch-rival Florida A&M, 42-6. He compiled a record of 90-54 in 13 seasons as B-CU's head coach.

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