Crookston High School Head Football Coach Scott Butt will no longer be on the sidelines after the school’s decision to let the coach go earlier this week. Butt has coached the game for 27 years and spent the last 10 years as the Head Coach for the Pirates. Butt wanted to take the opportunity to say his goodbyes and thank the people for allowing him to coach the game he loves.
Butt acknowledged the amazing kids to come through the program and the honor he had to coach them over the years. “All in all, I think my time here was enjoyable, and I’ve really enjoyed the kids I’ve gotten to work with,” said Butt. “There have been so many wonderful kids over the years that I’ve gotten to coach, and I couldn’t have asked for anything more out of them.”
Butt hopes that he’s been able to impact the kids in more than just the game of football over the years. “One thing I’ve learned over the years is that we keep score because we want to win, but there are also life lessons to be taught in the sport,” said Butt. “To the kids that have backed me up and played for me, thank you for all you’ve taught me as well, this wasn’t the way I wanted to go out, and I just want you to know that I didn’t quit on you.”
Butt also acknowledged his family and his wife for allowing him to have the opportunities to coach over the past 27 years. While Butt coached his own kids over the years, he considered everyone on the team and part of his family.
Butt hopes that the school’s motto since he’s been with the program is something the players can take with them moving forward. “I think that the motto we have had here can really apply to life. If you make a mistake, own up to it, admit it and move on,” said Butt. “I look at some of the kids we’ve had, the ones who were undersized but gave us all we had, and the ones that never quit; I hope and want them to understand they’re destined to do great things in life.”
Butt once resigned back in 2019 but shortly rescinded his resignation to continue being the coach. He planned to resign at the end of this year, but after talks with the school, they felt it was best to move on before this season.
Butt’s favorite memories on the field include being able to coach his sons, as well as an unforgettable season back in 2017. “The whole 2017 season was just so memorable for us,” said Butt. “We were down in Barnesville for the playoffs that year, and I remember we had them on the ropes, and just seeing the excitement and energy from the kids was incredible. I will never forget the energy on the sidelines of that game.”
Butt’s greatest joys from his time as a coach in Crookston will be the opportunity to coach and spend time with his kids outside of the house. “One of the more memorable things for me has been getting to coach my sons,” said Butt. “Brady, who is now in Jamestown, I enjoyed him and the rest of his class and that year, and Brooks is moving on after this year, but it’s been kind of neat to be able to cherish these moments and enjoy these four years I never thought I would get to have.”
Butt also mentioned his first-year coaching at Crookston and a game from one of his players that sticks out in his mind. “We had a running back run for 415 yards and 6 TD’s down in Park Rapids in a game, and that was just an incredible night,” said Butt. He also acknowledged that they had to come from behind to win the game and just continued running the football to get into field goal position but ended up breaking a long TD run to win the game.
Butt is unsure about his plans in coaching or if he will look to coach again. After 27 years, he has plenty of experience and background to find a place if he’d like to. He has already been reached out to by a few teams who may be looking at him as a potential fit.
It is unsure which direction the school will turn for head coach, as practices start in August. A decision should be announced soon, and a consensus reached.
Butt’s final words regarding the decision were this. “I’m going to concentrate on the positives, and as Nick Saban (Alabama Football Coach) says, “You’re hired to be fired” so while this isn’t the way I wanted to go out, it is what it is, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how all the kids develop into mature adults.”
