South Marion football's coaching search to continue as Kevin Saunders backpedals

South Marion football's coaching search to continue as Kevin Saunders backpedals

Just 24 hours after announcing its first-ever head football coach, Ocala's new South Marion High School is heading back to the drawing board.

Kevin Saunders, who was announced as South Marion's head football coach on Wednesday, April 15, has since decided not to take the role, South Marion athletic director Colby Wisdom told the Star-Banner on Thursday.

Saunders was set to be introduced during an informational meeting on Wednesday, April 22.

"Unfortunately, within the last 24 hours, Coach Saunders had some personal matters arise that has prompted him to remove himself from the position. Our thoughts are with Coach Saunders as he navigates this tough time in his personal life," Wisdom said in a statement. "With that being said, the football meeting originally scheduled for April 22 will be rescheduled for a later date."

When reached by phone on Wednesday, Saunders told the Star-Banner that he had "done a lot of thinking and praying about it last night."

"It's just a personal situation," Saunders said. "I feel awful because I do think the administration and Colby (Wisdom) do things the right way. It's about the kids and that's one of the reasons I wanted to take the job."

Now, South Marion's search for the program's first football coach will draw on with spring football quickly approaching.

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: South Marion football's coaching search to continue as Kevin Saunders backpedals