Chris Hauser, one of the most successful football coaches in the CIF San Diego Section, has stepped down at Mission Hills High School.

Hauser and two assistant coaches were placed on paid leave by the San Marcos School District last month following what is believed to be an on-campus incident.

In a letter posted online, Hauser wrote that “family/health circumstances” were the reasons behind his departure. He wrote:

“It’s been a good run. I’m proud of our program’s and players’ achievements through 20+ years leading it, but family/health circumstances signal that it’s time for me to step down from my head coach and teaching responsibilities to attend to those priorities preceding my retiring from the District at the end of this school year. My family and I appreciate all of your support, encouragement and respecting our privacy. We wish all MHHS Grizzlies and the program continuing success.”

Hauser did not immediately return a call seeking further comment.

Mission Hills football coach, 2 assistants placed on administrative leave amid investigation

Hauser is the only football coach in Mission Hills’ history, joining the school in 2004 after a successful four-year run at Vista High School, where he led his alma mater to the San Diego Section’s Division 1 championship in 2001.

Hauser led Mission Hills to the San Diego Section Open Division championship in 2013, where the Grizzlies defeated Oceanside. Mission Hills lost to Helix in the 2017 Open Division championship game and fell in the Division 1 title game in 2012, 2022 and 2023 and the Division 2 title game in 2007 and 2010. Hauser leaves with a record of 176-74-2 at Mission Hills, a winning mark of 70.4%. He went 34-15-0 (69.4%) at Vista.

The Grizzlies were 4-0 under Hauser this season before he was placed on paid leave.

Offensive coordinator DJ Zapata was named the interim coach, and has since led the team to a 3-1 record. Mission Hills is ranked No. 3 in the county and No. 13 in the state by MaxPreps.com heading into Friday’s game against No. 10 Rancho Bernardo.

The 210 career wins put Hauser at No. 11 all-time in San Diego history, just two behind No. 10 Jim Arnaiz of Helix and four behind former Torrey Pines and San Dieguito coach Ed Burke. Herb Meyer is the winningest coach in San Diego Section history, going 339-148-15 in 45 years at El Camino and Oceanside.

There is no word on the status of Thomas Altieri and Edward Nuckols, the two Mission Hills assistants who were placed on paid leave alongside Hauser.

Originally Published: October 21, 2025 at 11:05 AM PDT