Scottsdale Saguaro coach John Sanders has inquired about the Mesa Dobson and Gilbert football coaching vacancies, but has not formally applied for either.
Sanders has led the Sabercats to back-to-back 4A-I state titles and is 28-0 as head coach. He may leave the program because of the lack of facilities and benefits.
He wants a new weight room on campus so the team doesn’t have to train at a nearby L.A. Fitness, and would prefer to teach fewer hours.
“I need the administration to work with me,” Sanders said.
While there have been reports that Sanders wants out because of the graduation of most of his key players, he adamantly denies that.
“I took offense to the (report) that said I would leave because of lack of talent,” Sanders said. “We take raw kids (and make them good). They don’t fall out of trees like that. The cupoboard is not bare. I take great offense to that because I built this cupboard.
“You can put this wherever you want: I guarantee we’re going deep into the playoffs next year.”
Sanders was getting interest from high schools all over the country when he recently called plays at the Under Amour All-American game in Orlando, Fla., but would like to stay in Arizona because his kids are here.
Saguaro works on one-year contracts, so Sanders has the freedom to do what he pleases. As do his assistants, who Sanders said would go with him.
No matter where he ends up, Sanders said he will win another champonship in the next three years.
“I know the recipe,” he said.
You certainly cannot argue with his won-loss record the past two years. I am kind of surprised a division two college has not offered the moon for him. That would be a stepping stone to a division one job, or as a top assistant at a division one job. I am surprised he is still looking at the high school ranks.
I am surprised to see Coach Sanders’ comments in print. Can you build a cupboard in High School Football? Is Coach Sanders implying that he recruited these kids? Certainly he must understand that is a violation! You don’t build cupboards in high school athletics, you simply coach the kids that enroll at your school!