David Flom reinstated as Eden Prairie boys basketball coach

Eden Prairie boys basketball head coach David Flom has been reinstated, allowing him to resume coaching the team, effective immediately, per a statement from Eden Prairie School District communications director Dirk Tedmon.

Flom was suspended by the school district on Dec. 8, pending an investigation into a complaint about his use of inappropriate language during a classroom session with the team on Dec. 7.

Tedmon’s statement, on behalf of Eden Prairie Schools, indicated the district had completed its “investigation into the complaints against Coach Flom.”

Tedmon went on to say, “Coach Flom will transition back as Head Coach of our varsity Basketball team, effective Monday, January 23, 2023.”

State law governing information about employees does not allow Eden Prairie Schools to release any further information. However, Tedmon indicated that Eden Prairie Schools appreciated “everyone’s understanding of the importance of conducting a thorough investigation.

“We listened to multiple perspectives, and hope some learning comes out of this difficult time,” he said.

On behalf of Eden Prairie Schools, Tedmon added, “we are so proud of our players and interim coaches for how they have responded to changes this season and for their commitment to each other, and we will continue helping our players reach their full potential as individuals and as a team.”

News of Flom’s reinstatement first surfaced on Twitter via the Eden Prairie boys basketball Twitter page, @ephoops. 

In a tweet Monday evening, the account stated simply, “Head coach David Flom has been reinstated.”

Trevor Mbakwe, assistant activities director and assistant basketball coach, has served as interim head coach since Flom’s suspension on Dec. 8 

Flom, who was honored as “Coach of the Year” by the National High School Basketball Coaches’ Association in 2020, has been at the helm of the boys basketball program since 2010.

The Eden Prairie boys basketball team suffered their first defeat of the season, an 85-60 loss to Farmington on Dec. 16, in the first game after Flom’s suspension. 

The Eagles won five straight games after that loss, but have a 1-4 record in their last five games, including a 73-57 loss to St. Michael-Albertville on Friday.

Flom’s son, senior Joey Flom, left the basketball team after Flom was suspended. The statement did not indicate if Joey Flom would be returning to the team. 

Flom’s first game back as head coach could be as early as Tuesday night when Eden Prairie hosts Wayzata in the main gymnasium at Eden Prairie High School at 7 p.m.

Juliana Allen contributed to this report.