ALLENDALE, Mich. (WWJ) -- Morris Berger, the recently hired Grand Valley State offensive coordinator who was in hot water for comments about Adolf Hitler last week, is no longer with the school.
GVSU officials announced Thursday they had "reached a mutual agreement regarding his position" and said Berger resigned.
Berger came into the spotlight a week ago after an interview with GVSU's student newspaper, the Lanthorn, as the reporter was trying to get to know the newly hired coach. When asked which historical figure he'd like to have dinner with -- excluding sports figures -- Burger gave what many viewed as a shocking response.
"This is probably not going to get a good review, but I’m going to say Adolf Hitler. It was obviously very sad and he had bad motives, but the way he was able to lead was second-to-none. How he rallied a group and a following, I want to know how he did that. Bad intentions of course, but you can’t deny he wasn’t a great leader," Berger told the reporter.
The school soon after announced Berger had been suspended while it investigated the situation. Officials said at the time the coach's comments "as reported in The Lanthorn student newspaper do not reflect the values of Grand Valley State University."
On Thursday, head coach Matt Mitchell released a statement through the school, agreeing it was in the best interests of the team and school to part ways with Berger.
"Nothing in our background and reference checks revealed anything that would have suggested the unfortunate controversy that has unfolded. This has been a difficult time for everyone. I accepted Coach Berger’s resignation in an effort for him to move on and for us to focus on the team and our 2020 season," Mitchell's statement said.
Berger also released a statement thanking the university for giving him an opportunity.
"Over the last 11 years I have taken great pride in the responsibility and privilege of being a teacher, coach, mentor, and a valued member of the community," Berger said. "I was excited and proud to be at Grand Valley, and am disappointed that I will not get the opportunity to help these players in 2020. However, I do not want to be a distraction to these kids, this great university, or Coach Mitchell as they begin preparations for the upcoming season."