Former Northville coach Jim Zullo puts a second-place medal on standout senior Hailey Monroe after the team lost to LaFargeville in the state Class D finals on Friday at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. Zullo was fired shortly after the contest after he was caught on film pulling Monroe’s ponytail.

Northville head coach Jim Zullo doesn’t like a call during the state Class D finals against LaFargeville on Friday at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy.

Northville head coach Jim Zullo during the state Class D finals against LaFargeville on Friday at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy.

Northville head coach Jim Zullo talks to his team during the state Class D finals against LaFargeville on Friday at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy.

Former Northville coach Jim Zullo puts a second-place medal on standout senior Hailey Monroe after the team lost to LaFargeville in the state Class D finals on Friday at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. Zullo was fired shortly after the contest after he was caught on film pulling Monroe’s ponytail.

Northville head coach Jim Zullo and his bench react to a play during the state Class D semifinals against Elba on Thursday at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy.

Northville head coach Jim Zullo during the state Class D semifinals against Elba on Thursday at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy.

Northville celebrates after beating Elba in the state Class D semifinals on Thursday at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy.

Northville head coach Jim Zullo during the state Class D semifinals against Elba on Thursday at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy.

The Northville bench reacts to a play during the Class D semifinals against Elba on Thursday at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy.

Northville head coach Jim Zullo relaxes after it became evident his team was going to beat Elba in the state Class D semifinals on Thursday at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy.

UPDATE: Former Northville basketball coach issues apology after pulling player's hair

TROY — This was going to be a story about the remarkable rebirth of a legendary coach amid personal heartbreak. A feel-good........

© Times Union