Desert Ridge Football Coach Miles Smith Resigns

The head coach and volunteer assistant Lovie Smith have stepped down following a series of team dismissals in Mesa.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Football

Desert Ridge Football Coach Miles Smith Resigns

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Desert Ridge High School head coach Miles Smith has resigned his position, while volunteer assistant Lovie Smith will not return to the team. The departures follow the dismissal of senior quarterback Gunner Brewer and approximately 12 other players.

Why it matters

The resignations come during a difficult season for the football program, which has faced significant roster turnover and a challenging performance slump. The school must now navigate the remainder of the year after losing its leadership and several key athletes.

The team holds a 2-6 record and is ranked No. 69 by Massey Ratings. The squad has struggled recently, having been outscored 99-7 across their last two games.

The players

Miles Smith

He served as the head coach for the Desert Ridge High School football team during the 2026 season.

Lovie Smith

He acted as a volunteer assistant coach for the Desert Ridge football program.

Gunner Brewer

He is a senior quarterback who was removed from the team after altering a play call during a game.

The details

The shakeup began after quarterback Gunner Brewer was removed from the roster for changing a play call during a game. Following a conversation with the coaching staff, approximately 12 additional players were dismissed from the team.

The resignations were reported on the evening of October 19, 2026.
The team has two games remaining in the 2026 regular season schedule against Highland and Mountain View.

Season Trajectory

The sudden loss of the head coach and a large portion of the roster drastically alters the outlook for the remainder of the 2026 Arizona football season. These departures jeopardize the team's standing as they prepare for their final two matchups against Highland and Mountain View.

The dismissal of the starting quarterback and 12 teammates leaves the roster severely depleted for the final two games of the regular season. These personnel changes necessitate significant tactical adjustments for the remaining staff to complete the schedule.

The takeaway

The sudden leadership void and mass player departures highlight the volatility of high school sports programs when disciplinary issues arise. Stability for the remaining schedule will likely depend on how quickly the school can reorganize its remaining personnel.