Mark Kaanapu has left the head coaching job at Menlo to take the top spot with Merced College. Kaanapu takes over the helm at the two-year school in California from coach Tony Lewis, who retired after a three-decade career with the Blue Devils.

Kaanapu is 30-48 since the 2001 season began.

"After a careful and thorough national search, we are very excited that Coach Kaanapu has decided to lead the Merced College Blue Devil football program," said Merced College president Benjamin T. Duran. "The pool of candidates was very strong and we are most fortunate to have landed a coach of Mark's stature and commitment to young people."

Kaanapu joined the Menlo football staff in 1996, spending his first three seasons as an assistant. He was the offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator during the 1996 season before being promoted to assistant head coach in 1997. He has been responsible for all aspects of budgeting, fundraising, staff development, recruitment, and facilities planning.

From 1998 to 2000, he coached at the high school level and was an assistant coach with the Arena Football League's San Jose Sabercats in 2000, helping the team secure the Western Division title and a playoff berth.