It's Official: Lech Steps Down as York Head Football Coach

York High School varsity head football coach Bill Lech has stepped down after seven seasons.

York athletic director John Rutter confirmed that Lech officially resigned Monday after they discussed the issue prior to Thanksgiving. Lech reportedly informed the team of his decision last week.

In his coaching career with the Dukes, Lech had a 51-23 record (.689 winning percentage) with six Class 8A state playoff appearances, an outright West Suburban Conference Silver Division title in 2006 and shared titles in 2005, 2007 and 2010. Lech will remain York as a physical education teacher.

“He has some personal issues and family things, and he’s needed the time away,” Rutter said. “I’d say he’s done quite well at York. He’ll be sorely missed by the athletes and parents, but particularly me. I’ve really enjoyed working with him. He’s a great guy and a great coach.”

This past season, the Dukes were 6-4, tied for third in the Silver at 3-3 and lost at Stevenson 31-28 in the first round of the 8A playoffs. The Patriots upset three-time defending state champion Maine South in the following round before losing to Glenbard North in the quarterfinals.

The 2006 Dukes finished 11-2—the program’s most victories ever in one season—and reached the state quarterfinals before losing at eventual state champion Wheaton Warrenville South.

There currently are no other coaching changes at any level in York’s football program. Rutter said there is no timetable for hiring a new varsity head coach but that hopefully it can be done by the early spring after most teaching openings are posted.

“That would be ideal. It’s kind of a wait and see at this time,” Rutter said. “Obviously, we’d like to have something in place sooner rather than later.”

Rutter said as of now, Lech plans to continue as the Dukes’ assistant badminton coach in the spring.

Lech has a 73-49 record (.598 winning percentage) over 12 seasons as a head football coach at three high schools.

Lech previously was head football coach at Dixon (2000-01) and Leyden (2002-04) from the WSC Gold Division. Dixon qualified for the playoffs in both of Lech's seasons with a combined 16-5 record. Leyden went from being winless in 2002 to 3-6 in Lech's final two seasons with the Eagles.