Less than 24 hours after resigning from his post as Marana High School head football coach, Phillip Steward has rescinded his resignation and will lead the Tigers this season.
The Marana School District shared the news with the Arizona Daily Star Thursday, saying Steward told school and district leadership “his decision had been made during a period of heightened stress and miscommunication.”
A letter to families Thursday said that “after thoughtful reflection and productive conversations, he has chosen to rescind his resignation.”
The letter went on to say: “We appreciate Coach Steward's commitment to our student-athletes and are grateful for the opportunity to move forward together. As we begin this season, our focus remains on supporting our players, our coaching staff and the proud tradition of Marana Tiger Football.”
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Steward’s resignation came Wednesday, just a few weeks before the season begins.
Phoenix-based recruiting analyst Adam Beadle first reported the resignation on X Wednesday.
Marana is 42-14 in five years under Steward, who led the Tigers to the No. 1 seed in the Open Division state playoffs in 2024 during a 10-0 regular season. That team lost to Chandler Hamilton in the first round.
Last season, they went 10-2.
Marana began practice in helmets on Monday. The Tigers open the season at Tucson Salpointe Catholic on Aug. 27.
Head coach Phillip Steward offers some instruction for his offensive unit during practice at Marana High School.
In a separate letter to families announcing Steward’s resignation Wednesday, the school’s principal called the news “unexpected” and thanked Steward or his “passion and leadership.”
Steward did not respond to messages from the Arizona Republic or the Star.
Separately, AllSportsTucson.com also reported that Marana High baseball coach Wrigley McGuire and boys basketball coach Sean Roebuck resigned from their positions in the last week.
On Thursday, the Marana School District said McGuire’s and Roebuck’s resignations were unrelated and that both coaches left for personal reasons.
Arizona Republic reporter Richard Obert contributed to this story.
