*On 8/20, SSBR learned that Coach Aylor had decided to NOT resign as Norman North HC and accept the Site Athletic Director job at Norman High. According to an email sent to NN parents, Aylor said he realized his heart was with coaching.

BREAKING NEWS

According to a reliable source, Brian Aylor has decided to NOT leave as head coach at Norman North. In an email sent to Norman North parents, he said his heart was in coaching and not in administration where he had accepted a job prior to resigning at NN#OKPreps https://t.co/ZhQ6XyAFoR

— Sooner State Baseball Report (@SoonerStateBSBL) August 20, 2023

In some shocking news on Monday, Norman North head coach, Brian Aylor, announced his resignation.

Aylor had been the coach at North since 2005. Some of his accomplishments at North are:

• 7 Regional Championships
• 4 District Championships
• 3 Conference Championships
• 16 Players named to Oklahoma Coaches Association All State Teams
• 100+ players in college
• 4 MLB Draft picks
• 4X District Coach of the Year
• 2013 Daily Oklahoma Big All City Coach of the Year
• 400+ wins as a 6A coach
• Many more

In recent years, Aylor helped found and is the Director of Operations of the Risin Baseball organization. Risin is a showcase/travel ball organization for high school age players that focuses on “development of baseball players during their high school years, in preparation for competition beyond, with an emphasis on the promotion of the required physical and mental skills needed, while competing at the highest possible levels.”

As someone who had boys grow up in Norman and play baseball, Aylor was/is a looming figure in the baseball community. No matter if a player was going to North or Norman High, everyone knew who Brian Aylor was.

Prior to his stint at North, Aylor coached Putnam City West for 4 seasons.

Aylor will not be leaving the Norman community, however. He was named the Athletic Coordinator for Norman High School.

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Reactions

After the news became public on Monday night, the reactions on social media were quick and full of praise for Aylor.

Ryan Phillips, Yukon HS Head Coach and Risin Coach

Legend. He’s born to lead people. No surprise of his next step in life. Let go! https://t.co/tHcvdQSazc

— Ryan Phillips (@ryanphillips25) August 15, 2023

Luke Yost, Claremore HS Head Coach and Risin Coach

Congratulations on a great career coach! https://t.co/lz4eq1CWYN

— Luke Yost (@luke_yost) August 15, 2023

Edmond Memorial HS Baseball

As authentic and competitive as they come. Thank you for everything, Coach Aylor. You most definitely left @normannorth, and Ok HS Baseball better than you found it. https://t.co/4BNd4cvyhk

— Bulldog Baseball (@EMHSBaseball) August 15, 2023

Choctaw HS Baseball

Many battles with his well coached teams. Cheers!! https://t.co/xzXI0vjXwW

— Yellowjackets Baseball (@Jacketsball) August 15, 2023

Former Players

Landon Bruce

Nothing but great things to say about this man. He has taught me lessons that I’ll carry throughout my career in baseball and in life. I’ll forever be grateful to have played under Coach Aylor https://t.co/835HwOjYtB

— Landon Bruce (@LandonBruce2023) August 15, 2023

Will Bradley

The perfect example of leaving a place better than you found it. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to play for coach Aylor over the years. https://t.co/ViijaPTS2j

— Will Bradley (@willbradley35) August 15, 2023

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It’s safe to say that Brian Aylor’s influence on baseball in Oklahoma will be felt for years to come.

Thanks for reading Sooner State Baseball