Sandpoint search continues

A former head coach has turned down an offer to return to the head football coaching position at Sandpoint High, and the most current former coach withdrew his name after considering re-applying.

Athletic director Cheryl Klein arranged interviews Wednesday with at least two candidates – and perhaps as many as four – from outside the district. So goes the continuing saga of “As the Football Turns” in Sandpoint.

Former Sandpoint coach Satini Puailoa interviewed last week but turned down the job.

“I was only interested in coming back if I had a chance to take it to a higher level than before,” said Puailoa, who coached the Bulldogs to a state title in 1997 and a runner-up finish in 2003, his final season. “They want me to come back but not have the ability to do what I did before.”

Puailoa said he asked for 21 assistant coaching positions, $25,000 to purchase new equipment (pads, helmets) and $7,000 in additional coaching salary that he was paid during his 10-year stint previously as head coach.

Klein said the school district agreed to purchase $25,000 in equipment. The district would only fund 14 coaching positions and pay roughly half of the additional salary Puailoa requested, Klein said.

Puailoa said a group of businessmen agreed to fund the additional seven coaching positions he sought. But Klein said the district wouldn’t agree to it because it would mean the athletic program would not be in compliance to Title IX.

“He turned down the position as we offered it,” Klein said. “I understand where he’s coming from. I’d love to have him back as head coach. He did tremendous things, not only for the kids but for the community as well. There were things that had to be in place for him to coach. But there are things that I can’t bring about. My hands are tied.”

Sean Dorris, who resigned last month over what he called philosophical differences, said Tuesday that he was interested in returning with the possibility of an additional coaching position and the commitment to buy new equipment. Dorris had 13 assistants last year.

Dorris resigned last month after two seasons over concerns that his players weren’t getting enough time in the weight room and that he wasn’t going to be allowed to teach a weightlifting/training class.

Since his resignation, the administration has resolved one of his requests, saying that football players will be allowed to lift daily in the school’s block scheduling system beginning next fall.

“Next year, we are adding some sections (to the daily schedule) so that weight training will be available to athletes every day,” Klein said. “His other concern was that he wanted to teach a weight-training class. The problem is he wasn’t endorsed (in physical education) and it’s a condition we couldn’t get beyond.”

Dorris said he decided not to again pursue the job after discovering that some of the “promises” of additions to the program would still have to be paid for through fundraising.

Klein said she hasn’t closed the door to either Puailoa or Dorris re-applying for the position.

She called candidates Wednesday to set up interviews for next week. The candidates reportedly are from Mead, Coeur d’Alene, Ohio and California.

“I’m convinced there will be a positive outcome,” Klein said. “We’ve had several inquiries about the job.”