Gordon Steps Down as Plainfield Boys Hoops Coach; Micah Gordon Transfer Expected

PLAINFIELD, NJ — On Thursday, Plainfield Boys Basketball Coach Mike Gordon, Jr took to social media to officially announce his resignation. It comes on the heels of two straight Group IV championships, one of which saw Plainfield finish the season ranked number one in the state—the first public school to do so in 25 years.“After eight incredible years, I have made the decision to step down as Head Coach of the Plainfield High School Boys Basketball program,” wrote Gordon, who finishes with a 117-77 record.“This has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my life,” he continued. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to lead this program and to work alongside such dedicated student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and members of the Plainfield community. Together, we built something special defined not just by wins, but by accountability, resilience, and character."During the 2025 championship parade, Gordon shared that he always knew he'd coach Plainfield someday, it was just a matter of when. It eventually happened in 2018.In his first year, the team achieved an 11-13 record, improved to 15-11 in year two, and were 5-5 in his COVID-shortened third season. But in season number four, the team finished 8-14, and the next year, 2022-2023, the team finished 4-18.The class of 2026 seniors who were key contributors to the back-to-back titles—Rashawn Williams, Marcus Richards, and Kamai Lowery—were freshmen on that 4-18 squad, something that an emotional Coach Gordon brought up during the championship celebration this year. Gordon touched on the team's early struggles in his resignation letter.“I'm extremely proud of what we accomplished,” wrote Mike Gordon, Jr. “The journey started off with a lot of adversity, but we were able to weather the storm and right the ship. Over the past two seasons, we earned back-to-back Union County Conference Co-Championships, won a Union County Tournament Championship, and achieved back-to-back Group IV State Championships. Being recognized as the #1 team in the state and the top public school program reflects the hard work and commitment of everyone involved.”“More than anything, I'm proud of the way our players and coaches represented Plainfield with pride and discipline,” continued Gordon, who is a Detective in the Plainfield Police Department.Gordon thanked the administration, staff, players, families and the Plainfield community for its support.“The relationships and memories we've built will stay with me forever,” wrote Gordon, who promised to help with a smooth transition. “Plainfield will always be home and will forever hold a place in my heart.”Coach Gordon, who graduated from Plainfield High School in 2004, was a standout Cardinals point guard, as were his father, Michael Gordon, Sr—class of 1979—and his son Micah, the number one ranked basketball player in the state. Next season will be Micah's senior year, and he has offers from numerous Division I programs already.Michael Gordon told NJ.com that there is a high likelihood his departure from Plainfield High School coincides with his son's, who will likely attend a prep school for more exposure to high-end talent.“I guess we can say he’s going to transfer. Don’t have a destination at this time, but yeah, he’s 90% going to transfer,” Gordon told NJ.com. “And it’s not because of anything that Plainfield lacks. I think we have some of the best facilities. We got a state-of-the-art weight room. I think everything he needs is there,” said Gordon.“But I just think that he’s created a lane for himself just in reference to who he’s becoming. So he needs to be around high level players every day,” continued Gordon to NJ.com. "Unfortunately, we don’t have too many 6-9, 6-10s walking around Plainfield that are going to challenge him at the rim every practice.”