BUCHANAN — Mike Kuntz will not return as the Buchanan varsity football coach Bucks’ Athletic Director Fred Smith announced Monday.

Kuntz spent the last three seasons as the helm of the Buchanan program, replacing Joe Austin, who retired.

In 2012, he led the Bucks to the Lakeland Conference championship and qualified for the MHSAA Division 5 playoffs. Kuntz has influenced 100s of students over his long coaching career.

“Coach Kuntz is a class act,” Smith said. “His teams were well coached, played hard and respected the game. He will be missed.”

A search for a replacement will begin immediately.