Franco out at Costa Mesa, in at Estancia

Marcus Franco might find himself next school year teaching the same students he will coach against.

Two years after turning Costa Mesa High into a respectable softball program, Franco said Tuesday he was let go as coach due to a philosophical difference with Principal Edward Wong on what an athletic program is supposed to offer students.

It didn’t take Franco long to find another coaching job. Costa Mesa’s loss is its rival’s gain, the 42-year-old said he is now a co-coach at Estancia with Judd Fryslie.

Franco guided the Mustangs this past season to a 14-15 record, second place in the Orange Coast League, and the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division V playoffs. The program’s previous postseason berth was in 2003.

Under Franco, the Mustangs went 25-25. Costa Mesa won five of seven games against Estancia. The last victory against the Eagles propelled the Mustangs to second place in league.

Costa Mesa Athletic Director Patti Smith did not return messages left on her voicemail and at school.

“I am thrilled to be going to a school whose administration fully supports athletics and its coaches, and the philosophy that athletics is a large part of the triangular education process that includes academics and activities,” said Franco, an algebra teacher at Costa Mesa. “I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to lead my wonderful girls. They are amazing girls. It’s just a difference in opinion [with Wong]. What came out of it was, ‘Are you going to comfort kids or challenge them while building a relationship?’ I believe in challenging kids. Unfortunately, some people don’t.

“I’m going to put in a transfer request [with the Newport-Mesa Unified School District] at the end of the month to teach at Estancia. There could be a chance I could be teaching at Costa Mesa and coaching at Estancia.”