Walt DeShields is returning as head coach of the West Branch girls' basketball team.

DeShields was recommended for a one-year supplemental contract for 2025-26. At a Wednesday meeting, the West Branch Board of Education approved the recommendation 3-0, with one abstention.

This comes after DeShields was informed at the beginning of the month that the district was "moving in a different direction."

On April 9, the district released a statement on not retaining the veteran coach, citing "certain incidents raised by members of the community concerning Coach DeShields' behavior have generated significant concerns regarding his judgment."

DeShields responded, "I have strived to maintain a culture that values work ethic, commitment, integrity, teamwork, and having a program that makes our school and community proud." He continued, "Things have been or may still be said about me, my family, and others that are either false accusations or distortions of the truth, intended to damage my reputation or influence this decision."

He led the West Branch program for 20 years and never had a losing season. He posted 379 wins, seven district titles, and two appearances in the state final four.

The Warriors finished the 2024-25 campaign with a 22-3 record and captured the conference title.