Dave, my question pertains to restructuring our age group program which means I need to in essence demote my head age group coach to working only with our 10 & unders. He is just not as effective as he once was, several factors for this, but the bottom line is I am seeing over the past few years a real decline in our 11-12 year olds compared to the rest of the state and country we are very much lacking. Especially, our girls! He and I just have not been on the same page for years and as hard as I try it seem to make little or no difference. It looks like coaching is no longer his passion, but a pay check and that's not right. I would have released him, but the old boards were so afraid of repercussions, so instead I have to deal with a rouge coach. Any advice on how you would handle it, he has been with the team for 22 years, so he once was great, now only mediocre.

Honestly, if you have had conversations and teaching/coaching moments with him to get "buy-in" to your philosphy, and things are not changing, the best thing for all involved is for you to let him go. I know this can be difficult, but in the end everyone is happier and better off.
However, having said that, you might try explaining to him that you feel the program & you need his "expertise" with the 10&unders. You think he can really help the 10&unders.
How is his communication, relationships and effectiveness with working with parents? If pretty good, you could tell him you also need him with this very important group of younger swimmers & newer parents to help educate & guide them...his experience can help them.