District removes coach after ball struck player during practice
The Simi Valley Unified School District has terminated the employment of Adam Brubaker, who had been announced as the head football coach at Royal High School, following an incident during a practice session that left a player injured. The decision was publicized Aug. 24, 2026, after video of the event circulated and local outlets reported on the matter.
Video shared with local media shows Brubaker visibly upset with several players during practice, then kicking a football on the field. The ball struck a player in the groin area, and the player was seen in immediate pain on the ground. Brubaker later told ABC7 he did not intend to injure the player and expressed remorse for what happened.
"I kicked the ball and it hit him in the groin area and instantly I felt like I was going to pass out," Brubaker told ABC7. "I feel obviously a great deal of remorse for what happened. It's a one in a million shot."
Uncertainty over coaching leadership for season
The district removed Brubaker’s name from the list of coaches on the MaxPreps website, and officials have not publicly named a permanent replacement. Assistant coach Cody MacArthur served as acting head coach for Royal’s first game after the incident, according to reporting by the Ventura County Star.
Royal opened the season on Aug. 21 with a 62-0 victory over Monroe of North Hills. With Brubaker gone, offensive coordinator Sean Bridgewater handled play-calling in that game, and quarterback Preston Murray threw two touchdown passes as part of the lopsided win.
- Aug. 21 — Royal defeated Monroe of North Hills, 62-0.
- Interim leadership — Cody MacArthur served as acting head coach for the Aug. 21 game.
- Next opponent — Royal is scheduled to play Carpinteria this week; the district has not announced who will lead the team.
District statement and community concerns
The Simi Valley Unified School District confirmed the decision to remove Brubaker but has not released a detailed public statement describing the disciplinary process or whether any additional measures will follow. Local parents and community members have expressed concern about player safety and the standards of conduct expected from coaches working with student athletes.
School districts generally follow policy procedures when addressing allegations involving staff conduct and student safety. Those policies often include internal investigations, interviews with witnesses, review of video or other evidence, and consultation with legal counsel. The district has not outlined the specific steps taken in this case or whether the incident will prompt a review of coaching practices or training across the athletic program.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coach removed | Adam Brubaker |
| Acting coach (Aug. 21) | Cody MacArthur |
| Opening-game result | 62-0 vs. Monroe of North Hills |
| Next opponent | Carpinteria |
What’s next for Royal football
With the regular season under way, Royal High School faces the practical challenge of maintaining continuity for players and families while the district finalizes coaching assignments. For student-athletes, abrupt changes to leadership can affect practice routines, play-calling responsibilities and overall team dynamics. Bridgewater’s role in play-calling for the season opener suggests the staff is attempting to provide stability on the field, but the absence of a named head coach leaves unanswered questions about program oversight and long-term direction.
School officials have not commented on whether the district will conduct additional training for coaches or review district athletic policies in response to the incident. The community will likely be watching school board communications and upcoming announcements for further details.
Royal is scheduled to travel to Carpinteria later this week. The district has not confirmed who will serve as interim or acting head coach for that game.
