Sanches Steps Down as Head Football Coach at Kekaulike

Former King Kekaulike head coach Kyle Sanches shares a moment with linebacker Joseph Shutsa (6) against Kamehameha Maui last month. Photo by Rodney S. Yap.

By Rodney S. Yap

Kyle Sanches notified the media by text Monday that he is stepping down as head football coach at King Kekaulike High School.

“The biggest challenge I faced taking over the program three years ago was changing the culture here,” Sanches wrote. “Unfortunately, I was unable to affect the change.”

Sanches kept his explanation short and succinct.

The coach said he did not talk to the team about his decision, but he did discuss it with his assistant coaches.

As for his future, he said: “As of right now, I don’t know, I guess its yet to be seen. I don’t have any immediate plans.”

Sanches was 2-24 during his time as head coach. Na Alii was 0-9 this past season, including a forfeit to Maui High in the second round.

Kyle Sanches stepped down Monday as head football coach of King Kekaulike High School. Photo by Rodney S. Yap.

Saying he did not want to sugar coat his departure, Sanches repeated the bottom line: “When I took the job the goal was to change the culture up here and I wasn’t able to affect the change like I wanted in three years. I made the decision now to give them the opportunity to hopefully find the right guy.

“You always feel like you could’ve done more. I don’t think I could have done more, but you always feel like you could have.”