Kevin Maloof, who has been Dacula High's football coach since 1991, told his players Tuesday that he was retiring after this season because of health reasons.
"Yes, it's true," Maloof, 54, said. "I have health issues. I had my prostate removed in late May. At that time, I felt like the time frame was good [to recover in time to coach] this season. However, I have not been able to come back and work 80-hour weeks like I need to do to make my kids successful.
"I'm very tired right now. I think it's in the best interests of Dacula High School to step down. I've got a great group of seniors that I'm going to finish out with."
Dacula is 4-3 overall this season, and tied with Parkview at 3-2 for fourth place in Region 8-AAAAA. Maloof's best season at the Gwinnett school was 1996, when he led Dacula to an undefeated regular season, finishing 12-1 after losing in the state quarterfinals.
"After the surgery, I've not responded to the workload like I thought I would," Maloof said. "I thought I would be doing better, and I'm not. Now it's time to turn everything over to a younger, more energetic guy."
Maloof said Tuesday felt like the perfect time to inform his players.
"It was tough to do … the toughest thing I've ever had to do in my life," he said. "I love my kids, and I have tremendous respect for any kid that plays the game. You develop relationships with them, and I'm going to miss that."
Maloof said prostate cancer was diagnosed in February. He said his most recent medical tests indicated that all the cancer was removed during the surgery.
"My wife has been my biggest supporter through this whole thing, and I'm going to take a year off to spend lots of time with her," Maloof said.
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