The dismissal of Brandon Roy as head boys basketball coach at Garfield High School marks the end of one of the most successful coaching tenures in Washington high school basketball history. Roy, a former NBA All-Star and Seattle basketball icon, was relieved of his duties following a decision by school leadership to initiate a broad reset of the school’s basketball programs. The move comes after years of sustained success on the court, including multiple state championships, and has prompted widespread discussion within the local basketball community about legacy, leadership transitions, and the future direction of one of the state’s most storied programs.
The announcement was delivered through a letter sent to students and families by Garfield principal Tarance Hart and later reported by The Seattle Times. In the letter, Hart emphasized that the school is entering a new chapter, with an emphasis on reshaping both the boys and girls basketball programs to align with broader institutional goals. Alongside Roy’s dismissal, girls head coach Roydell Smiley was also let go, signaling a comprehensive overhaul rather than a targeted change. Newly appointed athletic director Chris Englund, hired earlier this year, has been tasked with leading the search for new leadership on both sides of the program.
While the decision was framed as forward-looking and programmatic, it nonetheless brings a close to an era defined by championships, community connection, and the return of Garfield basketball to elite statewide prominence. Roy’s departure raises questions not only about the school’s immediate future but also about how success is measured and sustained within high school athletics.
A Program Reset and Administrative Vision
According to the letter from Principal Tarance Hart, Garfield High School is seeking to reorient its basketball programs around a broader set of values that extend beyond wins and losses. Hart wrote that the school’s objective is to foster a competitive, academically supportive, and welcoming environment that offers meaningful opportunities for all students. The language of the announcement underscored inclusivity, academic alignment, and overall student experience as guiding priorities moving forward.
The dismissal of both the boys and girls head coaches reflects an institutional decision to start anew rather than make incremental changes. By removing both Roy and Roydell Smiley, the administration signaled that the reset is intended to be comprehensive, affecting culture, leadership style, and long-term program structure. This approach suggests that the changes are rooted in philosophy rather than performance metrics alone, particularly given the sustained on-court success achieved under Roy’s leadership.
Chris Englund, who assumed the role of athletic director in May, now faces the task of identifying coaches capable of carrying out this vision. His role will be pivotal in shaping the next phase of Garfield basketball, balancing competitive expectations with the administrative goals outlined by school leadership. The hiring process is expected to attract significant attention, given the program’s history and prominence within Washington state athletics.
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Garfield High School has long been recognized not only for its basketball success but also for its cultural significance within Seattle. Decisions affecting such a program inevitably resonate beyond the school itself, touching alumni, former players, and community members who view Garfield basketball as a symbol of local pride. The administration’s emphasis on a “new chapter” reflects an awareness of that legacy while asserting the need for change.
Brandon Roy’s Coaching Legacy at Garfield
Brandon Roy took over the Garfield boys basketball program in 2017, returning to his alma mater with the goal of restoring it to championship form. Almost immediately, his impact was evident. Under his leadership, Garfield won Class 3A state championships in 2018, 2020, and 2023, reestablishing the Bulldogs as a dominant force in Washington high school basketball. These titles were not isolated successes but part of a broader pattern of competitiveness and visibility that defined Roy’s tenure.
As a Seattle native and Garfield alumnus, Roy brought a unique combination of credibility and connection to the role. His background as a standout at Garfield, followed by collegiate success at the University of Washington and a distinguished NBA career, positioned him as both a role model and a mentor. For many players, the opportunity to be coached by someone who had navigated every level of the game added a layer of motivation and legitimacy to the program.
One of the most notable aspects of Roy’s time at Garfield was the opportunity to coach his son, BJ Roy. BJ later went on to play for the University of Washington, mirroring his father’s path and reinforcing the sense of continuity between generations of Seattle basketball. This personal dimension further strengthened Roy’s bond with the program and its community.
Roy’s influence extended beyond wins and championships. His presence helped attract attention to the program, elevate expectations, and reinforce Garfield’s identity as a basketball powerhouse. His No. 4 jersey remains retired in the school’s rafters, a testament to his enduring impact as a player and a symbol of his deep roots within the institution.
Despite this record of achievement, Roy’s dismissal illustrates the complex dynamics that can shape decisions in educational athletics. Success on the court does not always guarantee alignment with evolving administrative priorities, and Roy’s departure underscores how leadership transitions can occur even during periods of competitive excellence.
From NBA Stardom to an Uncertain Next Chapter
Before becoming a high school coach, Brandon Roy was widely regarded as one of the NBA’s most promising young guards. Drafted sixth overall in 2006, he quickly made his mark with the Portland Trail Blazers, earning NBA Rookie of the Year honors in 2007. Over the next several seasons, he was selected as a three-time All-Star and earned two All-NBA selections, establishing himself as one of the league’s elite perimeter players.
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Roy’s professional career, however, was tragically brief. Degenerative knee issues forced him to retire after just six seasons, five of which were spent in Portland. Despite the shortened career, his impact on the game was significant, and he remains a revered figure among fans and peers alike. His transition into coaching was widely viewed as a natural progression, allowing him to remain connected to the sport while giving back to the community that shaped him.
His rise to prominence began during his senior year at the University of Washington, a season that transformed his professional prospects. Roy averaged 20.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, leading the Huskies to the Sweet 16 and earning Pac-10 Player of the Year honors. He was also named a Consensus First-Team All-American, accolades that propelled him from a mid-round draft projection into the top tier of the NBA draft.
That history added weight to his role at Garfield, where he was seen not only as a coach but as a living example of what local talent could achieve. His dismissal therefore raises questions about what comes next. As of now, Roy has not publicly commented on the decision, and his future plans remain unclear. Given his reputation and experience, opportunities within basketball, whether at the high school, collegiate, or professional level, may still be available to him.
For Garfield High School, the focus now shifts to the future. The Bulldogs remain one of Washington’s most storied programs, and the selection of new coaches will play a critical role in determining whether the program can maintain its competitive standing while adapting to the vision outlined by school leadership. The coming weeks and months will be closely watched by those invested in the program’s legacy.
Brandon Roy’s tenure at Garfield leaves behind a record defined by championships, visibility, and deep community ties. While his departure marks the end of a successful era, it also highlights the ongoing evolution of high school athletics, where leadership decisions are shaped by a complex interplay of performance, philosophy, and institutional priorities.