Legendary coach Jeff Scurran confirms decision to resign at Rio Rico

Legendary football coach Jeff Scurran has confirmed what has been discussed as a possibility since the end of the football season — he is resigning his position at Rio Rico after leading that program for two years.

He was 8-12 at Rio Rico, with his greatest accomplishment being a sweep of Nogales in both years after the Hawks never won before in 12 meetings against their I-19 rivals.

Scurran is 241-79-1 in 26 years as a head coach at Southern Arizona high schools. He is 262-96-2 in 30 years was as a head coach in high school overall with stops included in California and Oregon. And he is 319-122-2 overall including head coaching stints in middle school, high school, college at Pima Community College and pros in Europe (see table below).

In a podcast last month with AllSportsTucson.com following the season and leading up to the 25th anniversary celebration of his 1998 state championship team at Sabino, Scurran talked about feeling the need to spend more time with his wife and family after more than 50 years of coaching.

In a text message Friday, Scurran confirmed that he is indeed leaving Rio Rico, mentioning it is “the right decision for me and my family.”

Scurran told me when he was inducted into the Pima College Athletics Hall of Fame two weeks ago that he will become a “free agent,” helping as a consultant where needed.

He has also mentioned the possibility of organizing a quarterbacks skill camp in Southern Arizona. He coached Rhett Rodriguez, son of former Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez, to prominence at quarterback at Catalina Foothills.

Scurran’s resignation means that Rio Rico joins Pueblo, Sahuarita, Bisbee and Benson with coaching vacancies in Southern Arizona.

Salpointe’s head coaching position was filled by its defensive coordinator Pat Ryden after Eric Rogers resigned following four years as the head coach of the Lancers.

JEFF SCURRAN HEAD COACHING RECORD