Sunnyside re-opens search for football coach after Kuhm resigns

One of Tucson’s most storied high school football programs is looking for a new coach for the second time in two months.

Kevin Kuhm has resigned from his new post at Sunnyside to return to Nogales, where he will serve as the school’s athletic director and football coach. The 28-year-old Kuhm was hired by the Blue Devils in February to replace Glenn Posey, who stepped down after five seasons with the team.

“I never wanted to leave Nogales and the timing was poor,” said Kuhm, who is about to complete his master’s degree in educational leadership through Northern Arizona University. “Now I have the opportunity to serve Nogales student-athletes and I’m looking forward to that.

“It’s the next step in my career path in becoming a principal one day, and I get to be where I want to be and coach the kids I want to coach.”

Sunnyside is coming off back-to-back state playoff appearances and has reached the postseason in 15 of the last l7 seasons. The Blue Devils won state championships in 2001 and 2003 under longtime coach Richard Sanchez.

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Kuhm had hopes of getting Sunnyside back to that level when he stepped down as Nogales’ football coach to take over the program. Kuhm said he was excited — but also reluctant — about the move, because he and his family have called Santa Cruz County home for the last several years.

The Virginia native spent two seasons at Rio Rico before moving on to Nogales. He led the Hawks to a 6-5 mark and their first state playoff appearance in 2013.

Kuhm’s wife, Jessica, is a Nogales High School graduate and works in Rio Rico. The move to Tucson would have been complicated for them and their 2-year-old daughter. Kuhm couldn’t turn down the opening at Nogales; the athletic director’s job wasn’t available when he left two months ago.

“It was the best decision for me and my family because we don’t have to move,” Kuhm said. “It’s nice to know that I’m going to be able to see my family on a daily basis, be a part of their lives and give them some stability, to know that we’re going to be here for the long haul.”

Sunnyside must act fast to find a new coach, with spring football looming and the season just a few months away. The Blue Devils host Pueblo on Aug. 26 in their first game.