Mainland Baseball Coach Resigns After Incident

Athletic Director Billy Kern returns to lead team after head coach Joe Smith steps down

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:05pm

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The Mainland Regional High School baseball team is undergoing a coaching change, as head coach Joe Smith has resigned and another volunteer coach was removed following an incident that occurred during the team's trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Athletic Director Billy Kern, who previously served as the team's head coach from 2012 to 2024, will now take over the program on an interim basis.

Why it matters

The sudden coaching change comes just before the start of the Mustangs' season, raising questions about the nature of the incident and the stability of the program. Kern's return is intended to provide continuity and leadership for the players, but the situation highlights the challenges high school sports teams can face when off-field issues arise.

The details

According to multiple sources, an incident occurred while the Mainland Regional baseball team was in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to prepare for the start of the season. Head coach Joe Smith and another volunteer coach were subsequently removed from their positions. Smith led the Mustangs to a win in their season opener on Thursday against Hammonton, but the team's scheduled game on Saturday was postponed due to weather.

  • On March 29, 2026, head coach Joe Smith resigned and a volunteer coach was removed from the Mainland Regional High School baseball team.
  • The Mustangs won their season opener on Thursday, March 27, 2026, against Hammonton.
  • The team's scheduled game on Saturday, March 29, 2026, was postponed due to weather.

The players

Joe Smith

The former head coach of the Mainland Regional High School baseball team, who resigned on March 29, 2026, citing personal reasons.

Billy Kern

The current Athletic Director of Mainland Regional High School, who previously served as the head coach of the baseball team from 2012 to 2024. Kern will now take over as the interim head coach.

Mark Marrone

The chief school administrator at Mainland Regional High School, who released a statement emphasizing the importance of providing a safe and supportive environment for the school's athletes.

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What they’re saying

“Our athletes deserve to be in an environment where they are safe, respected, and supported to achieve both on and off the field. When concerns are brought to our attention, we take them seriously and respond with the thoroughness they require. AD Kern's immediate availability to stabilize the program ensures continuity and stability for our players, and I'm confident in his leadership and commitment to our athletes.”

— Mark Marrone, Chief School Administrator, Mainland Regional High School

What’s next

A search for a new interim head coach will begin immediately, as the Mustangs prepare to face Hammonton on Monday, April 1, 2026, with Billy Kern leading the team.

The takeaway

The sudden coaching change at Mainland Regional High School highlights the importance of maintaining a safe and supportive environment for student-athletes, even when off-field incidents occur. The return of experienced coach Billy Kern is intended to provide stability and continuity for the players, but the situation also raises questions about the nature of the incident that led to the coaching shakeup.