A disturbing and controversial post on Facebook is calling for the removal of Hopkins varsity basketball coach Darrin Smith.

Smith, a graduate of Wayland High School, is beginning his fifth season as the head coach of the Vikings. His teams’ records in his four seasons at the helm were 8-13, 5-15, 10-12 and 6-16.

The Vikings in his third season (2014-15) suffered four of their losses to Class B state champion Wyoming Godwin Heights and Class C state runner-up Northpointe Christian.

Hopkins last winter enjoyed a late season surge and made it to the district finals after a disastrous start.

In a Facebook posting, Lisa Battjes, who just completed a stint as Hopkins Township Clerk, posted a petition that read “Demand the replacement of varsity boys basketball head coach!”

It was noted the communication was targeted at the Hopkins Board of Education and Superintendent Gary Wood. It claimed 20 supporters and a goal of 1,000.

The site asserts, “Darrin Smith lacks the necessary skills and abilities to coach basketball effectively. He demonstrates extreme nepotism and unfair practices, where he exhibits intimidation and bullying.”

The nepotism charge stems from his decision to pull up his son last year to the varsity as a freshman. His son also was pulled up to the varsity in football as a sophomore this past fall.

It would be highly unusual for a school board or administration to relieve a varsity coach of his duties at the start of a season, unless there were extenuating circumstances.

Smith himself is not a member of the faculty at Hopkins, but his wife is a junior high math teacher.

PHOTO: Hopkins varsity basketball coach Darrin Smith talks to his players during a game timeout last season.