Circuit Court Judge Kathleen Watanabe yesterday denied former Kaua'i High School football coach Keli'i Morgado's request for an injunction to get his job back, ruling in favor of Kaua'i principal Linda Smith and the Department of Education.

Morgado, who guided the Red Raiders from the bottom of the Kaua'i Interscholastic Federation to four straight league championships in his eight years at the helm, was told on March 16 that he would not be the coach in 2007.

Along with every other coach in the Red Raiders' athletic department, Morgado was told in late January that he needed to re-apply and interview for his position. He did, and was conditionally offered the job on March 15, pending agreement on seven stipulations.

Morgado said he expressed concerns about some of the conditions being "unrealistic" and unreasonable. About 24 hours later, the offer was rescinded.

JV coach Derek Borrero was promoted to replace Morgado on March 21.

Morgado then enlisted Honolulu attorney Eric Seitz to investigate the hiring process, and the case went to court Tuesday. Proceedings continued through yesterday, when Watanabe made her ruling.

"I'm disappointed, but I stood up for what I thought was right and I'm not ashamed," said Morgado, who will stay on at Kaua'i High as a history teacher. "I feel bad for the kids and parents who wanted me to come back."

Seitz said he and Morgado will discuss the possibility of an appeal.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.