It's been a rough cycle for Hunter football by any measure. In about eight months, the program has had three coaches, and on Wednesday, players received the news that the school would be looking for a fourth.

Tim Murphy, a California coach who accepted the job in December, has stepped down from the post after only a spending a weekend in Utah during his brief tenure. Assistant principal Craig Stauffer said Murphy was unable to resolve a family situation that prevented him from moving to the area from California. He informed the Hunter administration Tuesday evening.

"It was just an unexpected thing," Stauffer said. "Whatever family situation he had, we respect his decision. Obviously, though, it's hard on us and super hard on our kids."

Stauffer said he and other administrators met with the football team Wednesday afternoon to give them the news. It understandably difficult for them to take.

"We're trying to do the best we can for them," Stauffer said. "For any kid, it's a hard thing to go through these kinds of coaching changes. We're concerned for them."

Hunter has already taken steps to bring in another coach for the program, which has been rocked by instability. The Granite School District has posted the opening on its website and will be taking applicants until Jan. 26. The school hopes to make a hire by the first or second week in February.

Stauffer said he was optimistic that he could still get a good coach this late in the hiring cycle. He also said the administration's disappointment with Murphy would not sour it to other out-of-state candidates.

"A lot of people applied to the position before, and we feel confident we'll still get great candidates," Stauffer said. "We're going to do what's best for our kids."

— Kyle Goon

kgoon@sltrib.com

Twitter: @kylegoon