Lee’s Summit West dismisses head football coach, 2 assistants for MSHSAA violations
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- Lee’s Summit West dismissed its head coach and two assistants after an internal review.
- Investigation found multiple students used fraudulent leases and utility bills to enroll.
- All varsity and freshman wins from last season will be forfeited pending MSHSAA approval.
After a school investigation, Lee’s Summit West High School dismissed its head football coach and two assistants Monday.
The dismissals were the result of an internal review that found that several student-athletes violated residency and recruiting Missouri State High School Activities Association bylaws, according to a letter from principal Kayla Maid sent out to parents.
The review began in mid-March after “concerns” were brought to administration, according to Lee’s Summit R-VII School District officials.
Head coach Willie Horn, assistant coach Bill Birmingham and volunteer coach Sean Thornton are “no longer part of the football program,” the letter said.
Horn, a former Northwest Missouri State linebacker and younger brother of former NFL wide receiver Joe Horn, led the team to a 17-25 record in four seasons, including its best season in 2023 at 7-3. The Titans were 4-7 last season.
As a result of the investigation, all varsity and freshman wins from last season will be forfeited with MSHSAA approval.
“Our investigation confirmed that multiple students were enrolled at Lee’s Summit West using fraudulent leases and utility bills despite not residing within the school’s attendance boundaries. The district has shared with local law enforcement that all documents appear to have been provided to families by a single landlord,” the letter read. “In addition, findings revealed at least one instance of actions aligned with recruiting and undue influence as defined by MSHSAA bylaws.”
Lee’s Summit West will be searching for a new football head coach in the time being.
“The district is reviewing steps to reinforce expectations and ensure a clear understanding of eligibility requirements and applicable bylaws among those involved in our programs,” the letter reads.
“Our priority remains clear: we are here for our students. We are committed to supporting our athletes and ensuring stability moving forward. The head coaching position will be posted, and we will work to secure strong leadership for the program.”
Investigation details
According to a self-report obtained through a public records request, eight students’ families submitted phony documents to the school district to play football for the Titans.
The names of the students and coaches involved are redacted.
The families of eight student-athletes claimed they originally intended to secure housing within the school boundaries. But they all admitted they never resided within those boundaries and didn’t tell the school when arrangements fell through, according to the report.
One of the coaches involved used his connections in youth football to connect families with a person claiming to be a leasing agent as families looked for housing, the report said. Families were connected with a single landlord to draw up lease agreements.
Seven of the students involved are linked to the coach’s youth football team.
The coach arranged for a meeting at a local restaurant for a prospective player to meet with a leasing agent and others over the summer. The player ultimately did not play for LSW.
A redacted non-faculty volunteer assistant coach used fraudulent documents so his son could play on the team.
The report determined that Horn had a lack of oversight of the program by “knowing and being aware of the detailed activities happening within the program.” It also determined that he met with a prospective student at a local restaurant to discuss football and residency. But administrators could not prove that he knew about the eight students who were enrolled fraudulently, according to the report.
The investigation process began on March 11. According to a redacted self-report, Lee’s Summit West got a call from a “step mother” about a student who may have a residency issue after transferring in this school year.
Research began the next day and revealed several fraudulent registration documents in leases and utility bills. Residence checks began from March 13 to March 20 and determined students didn’t live at the listed addresses.
Over the next two weeks, interviews were conducted with coaches and parents while the football rosters of 2024 and 2025 were vetted. The district also sent 10-day absence letters to non-resident families, per district protocol, according to the report.
Lee’s Summit police were also contacted because of concerns of a potential leasing scam.
On April 6, the district made the decision to “separate” the three coaches from the program; they had final discussions with the coaches last week.
This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 4:28 PM.
