Hardman Quits as Laguna Beach Football Coach

Football Coach Cedrick Hardman of Laguna Beach High School, whose arrest on a drug charge prompted a recall drive in the Laguna Beach Unified School District, has resigned.

Hardman, formerly a star defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League, coached but did not teach at the school.

He submitted a letter to the school board Tuesday, saying he would not reapply for next season.

Hardman, 38, was arrested on a felony cocaine charge last September. At his arraignment, a South Orange County Municipal Court judge ordered him to enroll in a drug-rehabilitation program. The court may drop the felony charge if Hardman successfully completes the program.

Hardman also faces a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest, which is scheduled for a court hearing Feb. 25.

Despite his arrest, school trustees voted 4-1 in October to reinstate Hardman to his $1,700-a-season job as long as he completed a drug rehabilitation program. Trustees allowed him to return as a volunteer coach for the rest of the season.

Those decisions were cited by organizers of a recall drive under way against the four trustees. The recall group has yet to collect the signatures needed to force an election.

Hardman reportedly wants to complete his bachelor’s degree at UC Irvine.