Colyn Haugh called Wednesday a “bittersweet day” because he officially was moving on from one opportunity to the next in his coaching career.
After one season in charge of the Kiski Area football program, Haugh announced he is stepping down as head coach.
As for the next chapter, Haugh, a Franklin Regional and Robert Morris graduate, added he will be taking a position with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.
“To the players: It was an honor to be able to coach you all this past year,” he posted on X. “I believe the things I learned from you will be with me forever. I can only hope I was able to instill some lifelong habits within you as well.
“To the community: Although it was a short stint, I hope I was able to re-energize this program and make it one you can begin to be proud of again.
“To my coaches: You guys mean more to me than you know. I appreciate your time and trust in me and your dedication to this program. … I will always be a supporter of this program and wish them nothing but the best moving forward.”
The addition of Haugh gives the Argonauts a decidedly Pittsburgh flavor. Earlier this month, they named Plum grad Mike Miller as their head coach, and Montour grad John Hufnagel came on board as Toronto’s senior advisor to the general manager and head coach.
Hufnagel is a member of the CFL Hall of Fame.
Kiski Area went 4-7 this season, and tied Armstrong for third place in the WPIAL Class 5A Big East Conference at 3-3.
Haugh was a linemen in high school and college and began his coaching career as a grad assistant at RMU in 2007.
He also coached at St. Francis (Pa.), Westminster and Edinboro, totaling 17 years at the college level.
Haugh took over at Kiski Area for veteran Alle-Kiski Valley coach Sam Albert, who resigned after seven seasons.