Sandpoint football coach resigns

Sean Dorris abruptly resigned as Sandpoint High’s head football coach Thursday, citing differences with the school’s administration over needs for his program.

Dorris said his players should be allowed to lift weights every day during the football season in the school’s new block schedule system and that he should teach one weightlifting class each day. Dorris, a history teacher, said the administration wouldn’t commit to his requests.

“That was really the last part of it,” Dorris said of the weightlifting concerns. “That was the last part of a lot of other issues. Regardless of what all of the other issues were, it finally came down to the (weightlifting issue) – so I could put the players in a position where they weren’t at risk. Last fall was like running a MASH unit. We had so many injuries, and our kids could only lift every other day. There is truly a philosophical difference between myself and the administration.”

Sandpoint athletic director Cheryl Klein was saddened by Dorris’ resignation.

“We’re very sorry to lose him,” Klein said. “I’ve enjoyed working with him tremendously. I admire his abilities. I regret that he has made that decision.”

Dorris’ teams were 8-2 and 6-5 in his two seasons, reaching the State 4A playoffs both years. The 2005 Bulldogs advanced to the semifinals, falling in the final minutes to eventual state champion Bishop Kelly in a 21-20 decision.

He was defensive coordinator for a year before taking over for Satini Puailoa.

Dorris said he plans to remain as a teacher and assistant track coach at Sandpoint next year.

Puailoa, who took a leave of absence this year from his physical education teaching job at Sandpoint to pursue a business venture, plans to return to teaching next fall. He will likely be asked if he has any interest in returning to coaching.

Asked if he would consider the coaching job, Puailoa said, “I have an open mind, but it would have to be under certain circumstances. The program is vastly different than when I left. It’s not the same program as when I left.”