Former NFL head coach Lovie Smith was caught on video in a heated confrontation with parents of players at an Arizona high school earlier this month, adding another chapter to a growing controversy surrounding the football program.

Smith, whose son Miles is the head coach at Desert Ridge High School in Mesa, Arizona, recently joined the coaching staff. Video shared by The Main Event Show appears to show the former NFL coach confronting parents after football equipment was thrown onto the locker room floor and a photo of the scene was taken.

Former NFL head coach Lovie Smith was caught on video in a heated confrontation with parents of players at an Arizona high school Friday, adding another chapter to a growing controversy surrounding the football program.

The incident comes amid growing tension between the coaching staff and players following the dismissal of starting quarterback Gunner Brewer.

Twelve Players Walk Out After Quarterback’s Dismissal

According to The Arizona Republic, Miles Smith dismissed Brewer for what he described as disrespect toward the head coach. The decision reportedly prompted other players to challenge the move during a meeting with the coaching staff.

During that meeting, Miles Smith told players it was his team and that those who disagreed with his decision could leave, according to the report.

Twelve players, including five seniors, subsequently walked out and were suspended from the team.

The situation carried over to Friday’s game, when the suspended players returned to help set up an inflatable jaguar that the team runs through before taking the field. They also wanted to show support for teammates who remained with the program.

However, the coaching staff reportedly prevented the suspended players from helping, setting the stage for the confrontation involving Lovie Smith.

Quarterback’s Mother Disputes Reason for Dismissal

Brewer’s mother told The Arizona Republic that her son was removed from the team after calling a different play than the one sent in by the coaching staff during an Oct. 2 game against Vail Cienega High School.

Miles Smith subsequently requested a meeting with the quarterback, according to the report. Brewer’s dismissal was followed by a team meeting two days later, where the disagreement between players and coaches escalated.

According to Brewer’s mother, offensive lineman Will Stark stood up during that meeting and asked how many players wanted Brewer back on the team. Several players reportedly raised their hands before the group walked out and was later suspended.

The suspended players also reportedly had their banners and equipment removed from the locker room.

Desert Ridge athletic director Kevin Swann said in a voice message that the suspended players would be permitted to return for winter workouts and the following season, according to the reporting.

Lovie Smith’s NFL Coaching Career

Lovie Smith spent more than a decade as an NFL head coach, leading the Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans.

His most successful run came in Chicago, where he coached the Bears from 2004 through 2012. Smith led the franchise to Super Bowl XLI following the 2006 season and was named the NFL’s Coach of the Year that season.

The latest incident has brought additional attention to the turmoil at Desert Ridge as the program navigates the fallout from Brewer’s dismissal and the suspensions of 12 players.