After two seasons, and lifting his alma mater to a state title, the Rich Miano era at Kaiser is done.

Sources confirmed Wednesday night that Miano has resigned as football coach, just months after guiding the Cougars to the Division II state championship.

Miano sent an email to his coaching staff, parents and players. He pointed to his new job (as a stevedore) and a desire to simplify his life as two reasons for stepping down. 

Lisa Karratti, mother of senior quarterback Lii Karratti, was sad to see Miano leave.

"It’s really sad because he really loves Kaiser High School and the boys," she said. "The media always made him look bad. We just thank God that we got to be with him this year. It was a great move for us and we will be forever thankful!"

Miano’s team went 19-4 in two seasons, including 12-1 last fall. Kaiser defeated Kauai 17-7 in the D-II final. 

His short stint produced an immense display of talent, some of it homegrown and some of it coming from transfers. That led to some controversy, particularly from programs that lost football players to Kaiser. 

Miano played 11 seasons in the NFL after an unusual, but successful ascension as a younger player. He was a standout defensive back at Kaiser, helping the team win the Prep Bowl in 1979. He walked on at the University of Hawaii and became a starter and All-WAC selection in 1983 and ’84.

Miano did not return calls on Wednesday night.