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Kyle Kafentzis, who began coaching Jordan High's defense the year before his son Austin decided to play quarterback for the Beetdiggers five years ago, is no longer on the staff.

He left the program as defensive coordinator after a meeting with head Jordan coach Eric Kjar after the Beetdiggers' 78-76 overtime loss to Brighton.

"It had nothing to do with the game," said Kjar Monday. "It was a mutual deal with him wanting to step back and watch Austin more. It was him wanting to step away. For us, there is really not as much to it as a lot of people think. He and I are on good terms. It was him wanting to step away and it was the best thing for the overall program."

Casey Sutera has taken over as Jordan's defensive coordinator.

Jordan principal Tom Sherwood said he couldn't comment on Kafentzis leaving the program because it was a personnel issue.

"He is no longer part of our coaching staff," said Sherwood. "I wish him the best."

Kafentzis said Monday he had been pulling himself away from coaching and hadn't planned on returning next season. He said he was looking forward to simply watching his son Austin, who has set nearly every Utah high school football offensive record in his four years at Jordan, finish out his prep career before leaving for Wisconsin, where he has signed to play for the Badgers.

"Eric Kjar is an unbelievable coach and he has helped the program grow," said Kafentzis. "I wish Jordan the best and I hope next year is even better."

He said that his coaching style might have rubbed some Jordan parents the wrong way.

"Quite frankly, I coach the kids the same way I parent my son," said Kafentzis, who played defense for the University of Hawaii and was on the Chicago Bears' roster before blowing out his knee. "A lot of the kids in the past appreciated the way I coach. There are a lot of kids and their parents who don't like a coach who is stern with them. I am stern. There is no doubt."

– Tom Wharton