Rob Justis resigned as the girls volleyball coach at Linn-Mar High School Tuesday after five seasons, citing "philosophical" differences with Linn-Mar administrators.

"I'm not sure if it's official, but I turned in my resignation for both volleyball and girls basketball today," he said Tuesday evening. "They've got my letter of resignation, anyway."

Justis has been the sophomore girls basketball coach at Linn-Mar.

Justis said he was placed on "administrative leave" from his volleyball job last Tuesday, in the middle of the season. "We were getting ready to leave for City High and I was told I wouldn't be going," he remarked.

Justis declined to say which Linn-Mar administrator told him he was being placed on administrative leave.

He did not coach the team in the Linn-Mar tournament this past Saturday and did not accompany the Lions for their match at Cedar Falls Tuesday night.

Justis said he was not forced to resign. He said it was his decision to step aside, citing "philosophical coaching differences with the administration." He declined to elaborate or name specific administrators.

"I've learned a long time ago you have to be yourself. If they have an issue with that, that's their prerogative. No hard feelings," he said.

Justis led Linn-Mar to the Class 4A state tournament in 2009 and 2010. The Lions had a 3-7 record this year heading into Tuesday's match at Cedar Falls.

"They're coming along. They're young," he said.

Justis was not happy with the way his team was playing in a tournament at Cedar Rapids Washington on Saturday, Sept. 1 and yelled at his players during a timeout, as witnessed by a reporter for the Metro Sports Report. Justis was placed on administrative leave three days later, but declined to say if that was the reason.

Linn-Mar Principal Jeff Gustason confirmed Justis would not coach the team against Cedar Falls Tuesday night, but declined to provide any details. He also declined to discuss Justis' status as head coach.

"All I can say is that Rob is not going to go with the team tonight," he said.

Linn-Mar athletic director Scott Mahmens declined comment.

Justis was still listed as the Linn-Mar volleyball coach on the Linn-Mar website as of 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Justis said he plans to continue as a sixth grade teacher at the Oak Ridge middle school. This is his 11th year in the Linn-Mar school district, according to the high school website.

Jenny Lucas and Erin Downing are Linn-Mar's assistant volleyball coaches. Justis said he thinks they will share the head coaching duties.