Phillip Steward has resigned as head coach at Marana High School, first reported by Phoenix-based reporter and recruiting analyst Adam Beadle.
Beadle reported on X that Steward informed his players Wednesday of his resignation.
Multiple sources have indicated to AllSportsTucson.com that Steward’s resignation is a result of being at odds with district and school officials over the composition of his coaching staff.
Steward and Marana officials did not return calls and messages from AllSportsTucson.com on Wednesday.
The school has since released this statement that was included in a letter to parents of the players:
“This afternoon, Coach Steward informed us of his decision to resign as Head Football Coach. We recognize this news is difficult for our student-athletes, families, alumni, staff, and the entire Marana Tiger community. We share in your disappointment and understand the emotions many are feeling. While this news was unexpected, we respect his decision and thank him for the passion and leadership he invested in our student-athletes and program over the past five years.”
“The Marana Tiger Football Program has a proud tradition built on the commitment of our players, coaches, families, and community. That commitment remains unwavering. We are fully dedicated to supporting our student-athletes and providing them with the leadership, preparation, and opportunities they deserve throughout this season and into the future. We ask our community to rally around our players and coaches during this time. They need our encouragement now more than ever.”
AllSportsTucson.com has also learned that Marana baseball coach Wrigley McGuire and boys basketball coach Sean Roebuck resigned from their positions in the last week. Roebuck has remained as an assistant with the Tigers’ flag football team.
Roebuck is the father of Marana’s legendary athletes Isaiah, Makayla, Dezmen, Malaysia and Sean Jr. (who is a top prospect in the state as a senior receiver).
Steward was 42-14 in his five years at Marana. The Tigers’ program has flourished under him, including being the No. 1 team in the Open Division at the end of the 2024 season and finishing 10-2 last season.
Steward played at Houston in college and briefly in the NFL with the St. Louis Rams.
He served as an assistant coach at Willcox before joining the Marana staff in the 2020 season. He was hired as head coach before the 2022 season after the late Louie Ramirez left to be an assistant at Scottsdale Saguaro.
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