Arizona high school football coach resigns after weeks of turmoil

Arizona high school football coach resigns after weeks of turmoil.

Key points

• When Smith dismissed senior quarterback Gunner Brewer after Brewer changed a play during a 14-12 victory over Vail Cienega three days earlier, 5.
• A Desert Ridge player's parent confirmed the resignation to the Arizona Republic – part of the USA TODAY Network – on Monday, Oct.
• When Lovie Smith was involved in a heated confrontation with a football booster before a game against Mesa Red Mountain, 9.
• Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @AlexMartinUSAT or via email: [email protected].
• Smith's father and former NFL head coach, Lovie Smith, served as a volunteer assistant and is additionally leaving the program's coaching staff, according to The Republic's reporting.

Miles Smith has reportedly resigned as Desert Ridge High School's football coach after weeks of controversy surrounding the program, including the dismissal of its starting quarterback and the suspension of 12 players who backed him.

For context, a Desert Ridge player's parent confirmed the resignation to the Arizona Republic – part of the USA TODAY Network – on Monday, Oct. 19.

Nevertheless, according to The Republic's reporting, Dawn Mackay, chief communications and community engagement officer for Gilbert Public Schools, stated an official resignation hadn't been received as of Monday evening.

For context, the documented resignation marks another major development for the Mesa, Arizona, program. It has faced scrutiny over its handling of the dispute.

For context, the controversy began Oct. When Smith dismissed senior quarterback Gunner Brewer after Brewer changed a play during a 14-12 victory over Vail Cienega three days earlier, 5.

Twelve teammates subsequently walked out of an Oct. 7 team session in backing of Brewer and were suspended for the remainder of the season. Five of the suspended players were seniors.

Brewer returned to backing his teammates during Desert Ridge's Oct. 15 game against Corona del Sol, even as questions remained regarding whether the suspended players would be allowed to return.

Smith's resignation adds another layer of uncertainty for the Jaguars. This person entered the season looking to rebuild after going 0-10 in 2025.

In practice, the situation drew further attention Oct. When Lovie Smith was involved in a heated confrontation with a football booster before a game against Mesa Red Mountain, 9.

Desert Ridge is scheduled to play at Gilbert Highland on Friday, Oct. 23. The program's coaching situation and the status of the suspended players remain key questions heading into the final weeks of the season.

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