Phillip Steward has rescinded his resignation and will return to Marana for his sixth year as head coach.
Steward confirmed the decision in a letter sent to parents of the Marana’s football players on Thursday.
“Yesterday, I submitted my resignation as Head Football Coach at Marana High School.
“After meeting with our Athletic Director, Amie Cormell, our head principal, Caitlyn Kauffman, and assistant superintendent, Kristin Reidy, this morning, we had honest and productive conversations that allowed us to address several concerns and clear up misunderstandings. After taking time to reflect, I have decided to rescind my resignation and will continue serving as the Head Football Coach of the Marana Tigers for the 2026 season.
“I appreciate the support of our administration and direct leadership, as well as everyone who reached out during this time. My commitment has always been, and will continue to be, to our student-athletes. They deserve stability, leadership, and every opportunity to succeed both on and off the field.
“Our focus now shifts entirely to preparing for the season ahead. We have a talented group of young me, a dedicated coaching staff, and a community that cares deeply about Marana Football. I am excited to move forward together and continue building on the tradition and culture of Tiger Football.
“Thank you to our players, families, coaches, alumni, and the entire Marana community for your continued support and belief in our program.”
Steward, 42-14 in his sixth year at Marana, has been a guiding force to the program flourishing to historic accomplishments. His team was No. 1 in the Open Division at the end of the 2024 season with a 10-0 record before losing in the first round. The Tigers finished 10-2 last season. Marana also finished 10-2 under him in 2022, his second season.
The three 10-win seasons are the most in a year since Marana went 11-0 in 1968 under Don Hawkins.
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.
Marana opens its season Aug. 27 at home against Salpointe Catholic.
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