Mike Kuba steps down as Jefferson softball coach after seven years

CEDAR RAPIDS — Mike Kuba has one more school year as facilitator and engagement specialist at Jefferson High School.

But that won’t include another softball season.

“I can walk out of Jefferson after 31 years next spring, and it will be a clean separation,” Kuba said Thursday, confirming his retirement as head softball coach.

“I’m at peace with it. I’ve had a couple of years to gear up for this moment.”

Kuba, 56, told his team of his decision after the J-Hawks’ Class 5A regional-final loss Tuesday at West Des Moines Dowling.

“(Wife) Tammi has blessed me by letting me coach all of these years, and I’ve never had a summer off,” Kuba said. “It’s time for me to give back to her.

“I’ve loved coaching. I love the kids like my own daughters. I’ve loved working for an AD (Chris Deam) who has never said no to us.”

Kuba piloted Jefferson to a 133-130 mark in seven seasons as head coach, including 16-25 this summer.

Prior to that, he was an assistant for Brian Erbe from 2012 through 2018. He was involved with the Jefferson baseball program for 17 years, seven as head coach.

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