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

Mission Hills High School’s longtime head football coach and two assistants have been placed on paid administrative leave by the school pending the outcome of an investigation. It’s unclear if the investigation will be completed by Friday, when the third-ranked Grizzlies (4-0) travel to Ramona (2-2).

Mission Hills principal Nathan Baker emailed those associated with the program on Tuesday to let them know about the investigation. In the message, Baker said coach Chris Hauser and assistants Thomas Altieri and Ed Nuckols had been placed on leave.

The principal wrote that he could not provide additional details because the investigation was active. A source outside the school, however, said the coaches failed to report a locker room incident involving players, an apparent violation of school policy.

Hauser didn’t immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

Former Mission Hills quarterback D.J. Zapata will coach the Grizzlies while the three men are on leave. Following Friday night’s game, Mission Hills has a bye before returning for an Oct. 3 home game against fourth-ranked La Costa Canyon.

San Marcos Unified School District spokesperson Christine Lee said Wednesday that there is no timeline for how long the investigation will take, or when disciplinary action — if there is any — could be announced.

The only coach in the history of Mission Hills, Hauser is in his 22nd season at the school.