After ‘most difficult’ season, Laguna Hills football coach Mike Maceranka steps down

Mike Maceranka gives instructions to his Laguna Hills players during a scrimmage against Beckman in March. (Photo courtesy Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone)

After going through what he said was the toughest year of his coaching career, Laguna Hills High School head football coach Mike Maceranka said Wednesday he is stepping down after five years.

Maceranka plans to take a break from coaching to spend more time with his family but will continue to teach at his alma mater, Laguna Hills. Maceranka guided the Hawks to a share of the league title with Portola and Dana Hills during the abbreviated spring season.

“This past season was the most difficult in my career,” he said. “The pandemic and uncertainty all year was tough. I have been a head coach for 19 years and it was a great way to end it winning a share of the Pacific Hills League title.

“I was a member of the first league championship team at LHHS as a player and I left with another as head coach. I have enjoyed the players, coaches and families at Laguna Hills and it is a good time to step away from football. I will continue to teach at my alma mater.

“I earned my administrative credential this past year and am coaching my freshman daughter as a member of the track staff at Laguna Hills while my oldest is going to college in the fall. Being the head coach is a year round 24/7 job and it’s time to take a break. I want to be a great father and husband for my family and look forward to new endeavors.”

Maceranka began his coaching career with a three-year stint at Santa Ana Valley, then was head coach at Segerstrom for 11 years.

“As part of a mutual agreement Mike Maceranka has stepped down as LHHS football coach and that the school will be moving quickly to fill the vacancy,” said Laguna Hills Athletic Director Scott Wilford. “We thank coach Maceranka for his five years of hard work and dedication leading the Hawk football program.  He will remain on campus as a teacher and mentor.”

While there are a number of coaching vacancies in Orange County, including jobs at Northwood and University, Maceranka said has no plans to apply for those.

“I am not pursuing any other head coaching positions this year,” he said.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com