DeFrancesco named Mundelein coach

The Mundelein High School District 120 board of education has approved the hiring of Vince DeFrancesco as head varsity football coach and wellness teacher beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.

DeFrancesco, a former all-state player for Vernon Hills, will replace head coach Larry Calhoun, who stepped down from that role at the close of the 2018 football season.

DeFrancesco has served as the head varsity football coach at Lincoln Park High School in Chicago since 2014. His teams have gone 28-10 with four consecutive state playoff berths in Class 7A. In addition, the football program went from about 30 to more than 120 student-athletes over the past four years.

In June of 2017 he also took on the role of athletic director for Lincoln Park. During his career there he also coached varsity boys lacrosse and freshman boys basketball. He also taught physical education, health, physical fitness, aquatics and driver safety. During that time he gradually moved into leadership positions and was a member of the physical education leadership team. The new MHS coach also taught driver education courses at Lane Tech College Prep High School.

"We're excited to have Vince join our athletic program," Mundelein athletic director Troy Parola said. "He is dedicated and enthusiastic about coaching and teaching and creates an atmosphere of hard work and selfless commitment. We're looking forward to working with our newest Mustang."

DeFrancesco earned a bachelor's of science degree from Southern Illinois University with a major in physical education. He received a master's degree in Teaching English Learners from the American College of Education with a 3.9 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

DeFrancesco was a three-year varsity starter at linebacker for Vernon Hills' football team. He also played running back and as a senior in 2005 rushed for a Lake County-best 1,224 yards, while scoring 16 touchdowns. He was named to the Daily Herald All-Area team and in addition earned all-state honors.

"I'm extremely excited to begin my journey as a Mustang," DeFrancesco said. "It has been a lifelong dream to coach at a school that shares the same vision for success: community involvement, high academic standards and athletic performance. As an alum of Vernon Hills High School and former student-athlete of the North Suburban Conference, I know how much pride Mundelein has in their Mustangs.

"On the field I look forward to building a football program that promotes lifelong relationships. Through hard work we will overcome adversity and by overcoming adversity, we will create a culture that breeds success. I truly feel it is our time."