Editor’s note: This story was updated with additional background information.
The last time Larry Moore patrolled the sidelines for a Mid-Penn girls basketball power, things did not end well.
He clashed with parents at CD East at the end of the 2016 season and abruptly resigned.
Moore was accused of bullying players and allowing a man – who pleaded no contest to two counts of statutory sexual assault and one count of corruption of minors – to attend a practice.
Moore denied the bullying accusations but stepped down, citing “helicopter parents.”
On Monday, Moore told PennLive he’s planning a return to coaching for a third stint with Harrisburg High.
Cougars athletic director Calvin Everett said Moore’s hire is pending board approval. In Harrisburg’s case, that would mean approval by the district’s court-appointed receiver.
When asked about Moore’s rocky departure from CD East, Everett said: “We did our due diligence. We are comfortable with the situation.”
Moore told PennLive the individual who attended the practice was not a part of the program and was not invited. He said the man stopped by for a short time to discuss filming games.
Moore and Everett said that person would not be involved with Harrisburg’s program.
If approved, Moore would replace Dwan Lee, who retired in June.
In his two stints at Harrisburg, from 1995-1999 and 2002-2008, Moore had a 213-76 record, and won three District 3-AAAA titles. That included a stretch from 2003-2005 in which Harrisburg went 62-3 and won back-to-back district crowns.
In two seasons with CD East, he went 24-3 and 12-11.
Moore said it was “great to be back” at Harrisburg.
He inherits a team that recently had success under Lee, who took over the program in 2009. Lee amassed a 195-87 record and led the Cougars to four District 3 championship games. They won the District 3-5A title in 2018.
“I think Coach Lee did a great job,” Moore said. “He left a couple of good players. They have some good guards in stock there. It’s going to take some time to put the system in and get to know the kids, but the goal is to make the playoffs.
“I came back to help the kids,” he added. “I came back to help the parents. I just came back to be a help.”