Reports: Cottonwood coach won't face criminal charges

Cottonwood football coach Josh Lyman will not face criminal charges after allegations surfaced last week that he had "inappropriate contact" with a female student, according to multiple media reports.

The Granite School District released a statement late Thursday, reinforcing that the district's investigation against the 32-year-old Lyman, a former University of Utah receiver, is ongoing.

"We continue to investigative a number of administrative concerns with regard to professional standards and conduct as a teacher," the statement said. "While they may or may not have criminal implications, they may have licensure and employment implications."

That means Lyman won't face jail time, but his job as football coach and Cottonwood High School physical education teacher could be in jeopardy. Defense attorney Ed Brass, who represents Lyman and has been adamant that the coach is innocent, declined to speak to The Tribune when reached late Thursday afternoon, saying there would be developments in the case on Friday. He later confirmed to other media organizations that Lyman would not face criminal charges.

A Salt Lake County District Attorney's office representative said Thursday that the criminal investigation of Lyman was still under way.

Lyman was entering his third year as head coach. He is 15-6 in two seasons after replacing Teko Johnson, who died of a heart attack in 2010.