St. Ignatius head football coach Steve Bluford

Steve Bluford, the St. Ignatius head football coach who “stepped away” from his coaching duties Oct. 12, will not return to coach the Wildcats this season.

Local high-school sports website San Fran Preps also is reporting that school officials at St. Ignatius College Preparatory are not saying whether Bluford will be back next year. Bluford remains in his teaching position at the school.

“Steve won’t be coaching this year, but he will continue his duties as a physical education teacher,” said St. Ignatius Athletic Director Bob Vergara. “Nothing has been determined [for the future]. We’ve decided what to do for this season, but beyond this season nothing has been decided.”

Both Vergara and St. Ignatius Director of Communications Paul Totah would not comment on the reasons why Bluford will not be coaching the team, but did stress that the decision was not based on the team’s performance on the field.

Photo: Tawnya Gray/San Fran Preps