Schmidt stepping down as IC head football coach

Talk about going out on top.

Less than a month after guiding the Immaculate Conception football team to the Class 2A state championship, Bill Schmidt announced his resignation as head coach effective Jan. 1.

Schmidt accepted a promotion to vice principal at Thomas Jefferson Junior High School in Woodridge, where he is a teacher in the Success Plus program for at-risk students. The new position would make it tough to continue being a head coach.

"It was difficult, but I had to make a decision that was best for my family, my kids and for my career," said Schmidt, who earned his doctorate last summer. "Because of the amount of time, effort and heart that I put into the program, I felt it was best (to resign)."

IC became the first school to win a state championship with four losses when it beat Casey-Westfield 36-17 in the state-title game Nov. 28 in Champaign.

Schmidt accepted his job promotion early in the Knights' playoff run, but delayed his announcement because he didn't want to take the focus off the team.

"Knowing that the end was coming and not knowing quite when it would be, I tried to embrace and soak in every moment and every second of that run," Schmidt said. "I tried to internalize it, especially when we got downstate and I knew the ultimate game was going to be my last game. You couldn't write a storybook ending to anyone's career any better."

The 34-year-old Schmidt compiled a 23-21 record in his four seasons, including reaching the Class 3A state quarterfinals in 2005 in his first season after succeeding Bob Cozzi. Schmidt also was the offensive coordinator for Cozzi, who passed away in April, when the Knights won the Class 3A state championship in 2002.

Schmidt is a 1993 IC graduate and was a standout wide receiver and defensive back for the Knights.

He informed the IC players of his decision Monday after the Knights were honored for their championship at Elmhurst City Hall.

"I decided it was best to keep it to myself at the time," Schmidt said.

"I didn't want it to be about Bill Schmidt. I wanted the run to be about the players, coaches, parents, school and community. I kept putting off telling people because it was not the right time. Everyone needed to enjoy (the championship). Anytime there's a change with somebody that has been around a while, it's sad, but kids understand. They know that this program is in great shape and will continue to be successful."

The search for Schmidt's successor has already begun.

"We're going to start interviewing immediately," IC athletic director Darren Howard said. "Coaches from within are our first choice, so we'll start there. Hopefully it will be a fairly smooth and quick process, but until you really get into it, you don't know."

Schmidt said he will have a role in helping determine the direction of the program and believes starting the process with his coaching staff is the way to go.

"I guarantee the correct decision will be made and this program will not miss a beat," said Schmidt, who hopes to remain with the program in some capacity.

Howard, who also is the head basketball coach, hired Schmidt as one of his assistant coaches when he first got the job.

"He's just a fantastic guy," Howard said.

"I learned a lot from him as far as the community and tradition of the school, and it was more than just a working relationship with him. We're friends, and I'm definitely going to miss the guy being the head coach."

While Schmidt isn't ruling out a return to head coaching, he doesn't see it happening in the near future and would only do so at IC -- unless his family moves.

"I love the game and I love the whole competitiveness part of it, but what makes it all so meaningful and so special is the family that we've developed," Schmidt said. "From the coaches to the players to the program, including the parents, school and community, we have really formed a bond and I will miss going through all the celebrations, challenges, disappointments and everything that goes into a season with them."