Dean Nakagawa, who helped coach the Damien football team for the past five seasons, won't be back as its head coach, athletic director Pohai Lee said.

"I got released," Nakagawa said. "I guess they decided to make a change. Philosophical differences. They're not used to my way of coaching, I guess."

Nakagawa said he was told of the decision two Mondays ago. He said he had no intention of giving up the position, which he said was on a year-to-year basis.

"It was a tough decision," Lee said. "Dean is a good man. We appreciate the effort that Dean and his staff put forward. However, we decided to go in a different direction."

Nakagawa is a teacher at Kalihi Waena Elementary.

Damien finished 3-7-1 overall. It last qualified for the state Division II tournament in 2003.

Nakagawa was a co-head coach with Rudy Alejo for five seasons and assumed a solo head coaching role last season. Nakagawa compiled a 16-32-2 record during his tenure, which includes the four seasons with Alejo.

Applications are now being taken. Interested parties should contact Lee by Feb. 2.

Inquiries may be made by e-mailing Lee at lee@damien.edu with the subject "Football coach" or by calling him at the school: 841-0195 extension 526.

Mail applications should be addressed to Damien Memorial School, c/o Athletic Director Pohai Lee, 1401 Houghtailing St., Honolulu, HI 96817.