Mike Coutts, who coached Deering High to a Class A state baseball title in 2009, is leaving Deering to become head baseball coach at Scarborough High.

In an e-mail to his players and the Deering baseball boosters this week, Coutts wrote: "I am writing to let you know that I have resigned as head baseball coach at Deering to accept the same position at Scarborough. I know this is a contradiction from what I had told many of you back in June, but after many long hours of soul searching, it is the right decision for me and my family. The opportunity to be involved in my community and with the future baseball players of Scarborough, including my son, is really where I need to be.

"I want you to know that this was a very difficult decision because of the experience that I had at Deering for two years."

Coutts will replace Jim Cronin, who resigned after the season ended. Coutts is an owner of Frozen Ropes, an indoor baseball and softball facility in Portland.

Scarborough athletic director Mike LeGage would neither confirm nor deny that Coutts will be the new coach for the Red Storm, only saying that a candidate's name has been sent to the Scarborough superintendent. He said the name will go before the school board for approval at its next meeting.

Coutts didn't return phone messages. 

Coutts is a former University of Maine baseball standout and former assistant coach for the Black Bears under John Winkin. Coutts coached in the Cape Cod League and was a former coach at Edward Little High in Auburn.

He is married and lives in Scarborough.