Fitzgerald named coach at York
Known as one of DuPage County's top coordinators, Mike Fitzgerald is taking another shot at leading a football program.
At Tuesday's Elmhurst District 205 school board meeting, Fitzgerald was approved to become York's head football coach. He replaces Matt Monken, who spent four years leading the Dukes.
Fitzgerald, a former head coach at St. Francis, coordinated Naperville North's potent offense the last two seasons. In 2016 the Huskies piled up 3,700 total yards with a run-heavy attack, and last fall they amassed 4,350 yards with all-state quarterback Drake Davis throwing for 2,700 yards.
"I loved being a head coach and my goal has always been to be a head coach at a big school," said Fitzgerald, who will teach physical education at York. "It's been a great experience at Naperville North but I've been itching to be a head coach again."
After spending six years as Marist's offensive coordinator, a span that including a Class 8A runner-up finish in 2009, Fitzgerald served as head coach at St. Francis in 2014 and 2015. The Spartans reached the Class 5A semifinals in his first season.
Known for designing a no-huddle spread offense that often runs at breakneck speed, Fitzgerald expects to bring that same aggressive attitude to a York program that's seen its share of recent struggles.
The Dukes reached the playoffs seven times in eight seasons between 2004 and 2011 but haven't qualified since.
"Through this process I had such a good feeling about the school and the community," Fitzgerald said. "I can't wait to get started."
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