Plantz, who was in his fifth season as head coach, led the Celtics to a 4-0 start this year and the team is currently ranked No. 1 in Class 5A. Under his leadership, Providence Catholic reached two state title games in recent years.
"It's been a little bit shocking and surprising. It's definitely something that never registered in my head with the kind of success we've had this year," Plantz said.
Providence Catholic did not cite any specific incident or allegations against Plantz in announcing the decision. In a statement, the school said: "The Celtics thank Coach Tyler Plantz for his time and service as head coach and for his commitment to our student-athletes and football program since 2022. We are grateful for his contributions to Providence Catholic and wish him and his family all the best in the future."
Plantz described the decision as unexpected.
"A lot of it has been outside voices is the way I understand it, and I think that's been one of the more challenging things. I built some pretty good rapport with people in the building that I wish I would've had more direct conversations with, but yeah, it was a little bit of a blindside decision that I was not at all prepared for," he said.
Some alumni also expressed surprise over the move. Robert Cruz, a 1997 Providence graduate, said he believes dissatisfied parents can sometimes influence such decisions despite a coach's record.
"The attitude was always going to be about accountability and put your teammates first. He's the number one team in his class right now and without an incident to really relate this to how can you justify letting someone go like that," Cruz said.
Plantz said his primary concern remains the players.
"It's never been about me, and I don't want the focus to be on me. I want to make sure the focus stays on the guys and, if there's any way I can assist in that, that needs to be the top priority," he said.
Plantz says he's received many messages and calls of support from the Providence Catholic community.
"My message to them is I love them. Other than that, their job is to attack the task at hand," Plantz said.
While the move came as a shock, Plantz said he will forever be grateful for Providence Catholic.
"Providence has done so much for me and my family. I wouldn't be the man I am without today without Providence. It's just been disappointing, some of the decisions that have been made that affected me and my family and my current standing at the school," Plantz said.
Plantz said he has not yet received a formal notice of his firing.
The school said offensive coordinator Adam Nissen will take over coaching duties for the remainder of the season.