Another opening: D.R. Moreland resigns as San Marino coach …

You can add another head coach vacancy to the list of Bassett, Temple City and Workman because …..

San Marino High School football coach D.R. Moreland resigned Thursday afternoon, ending a successful run that saw him return the Titans program to respectability.

Moreland says the reason for his departure is to further his education. He was 30-32-1 in six seasons. Moreland goes out with a bang, having led San Marino to a 9-3 record last season and an 8-3 finish in 2008.

“This wasn’t easy,” Moreland said of his decision. “I’ve been coaching football for 15 seasons and have been playing since the fifth grade. So it wasn’t easy to give that up, but in an effort to better myself and do what’s right for my family, I had to make that sacrifice.”

Moreland put together a powerhouse coaching staff that includes former Temple City head coach Mike Mooney, who is now an administrator at the school.

San Marino ended a long playoff drought by beating Rosemead in the first round of the Mid-Valley Division playoffs last season. The Titans were sent packing the next week by Azusa.

“Whenever I look back on my coaching days here I’m going to be proud,” Moreland said. “I think for me the highlight was just being part of the San Marino program and tradition here. In six years, there were so many great games and great games, it’s hard for me to pick out one thing as the highlight.”

Aram’s take: I’m sure most readers will automatically jump to the conclusion that Mooney is taking over. It’s hard to say, and I kinda doubt it. But wouldn’t it be odd if that happened while Temple City is lost in paradise trying to find its third coach in three seasons? I’m not sure how desirable the San Marino job is to the outside world. And I’m also not sure how interested San Marino is in giving a real shot to an “outsider”. Most area coaches won’t covet the job. I mean a job, yes. But the San Marino job, no. And that’s because, as we all know, it’s not 1988 anymore. Nor is it 1989, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95 (SM’s last league champ) …. get it?