High-school sports website San Fran Preps is reporting that Steve Bluford “temporarily stepped away” from his duties as St. Ignatius College Preparatory head football coach and teacher Tuesday.

St. Ignatius head football coach Steve Bluford.

Bluford has been at St. Ignatius for nearly 20 years and the school would not give details regarding Bluford’s absence.

“Steve Bluford has agreed to temporarily step away from his duties as head football coach and teacher and assistant coach John Regalia has assumed his duties as head coach,” read a statement issued by the schools athletic and communications departments.

St. Ignatius Athletic Director Bob Vergara could not comment on Bluford’s absence, and all questions were directed to St. Ignatius Director of Communications Paul Totah.

San Fran Preps’ report did not provide or speculate on any specific reason behind the change in Bluford’s status, but it did hint that it was not about football:

St. Ignatius has gone 1-3-1 this year under Bluford’s leadership, but all indications are that his absence is not based on the team’s performance on the field.

Photo: Tawnya Gray/San Fran Preps