LT's Derning retires after 19 seasons as coach

Jack Derning waited until the very end of the Lyons Township football team banquet Nov. 16 for his announcement.

After 19 seasons, Derning is retiring as the Lions' varsity head coach.

Derning said he told LT athletic director John Grundke of his decision prior to the season, but as he always tried to do, Derning never wanted anything to overshadow his athletes' best interests.

"It's about the kids, and the focus should be about the kids and not my last game or last season. I didn't want this season to be Jack Derning's final trip through. The banquet is about the kids and the program," Derning said.

"I've had a great run. I've been truly lucky to run the program the way I've wanted and to have the support of the administration, the community and the parents. I've been truly blessed, and whoever gets the job is going to have that same type of support."

Derning hopes he can provide support as a coach on LT's lower levels. He will continue to oversee the Lions' off-season training program until the varsity coach is hired.

However, the other year-round responsibilities were a major factor in Derning's decision. He has five more years after this school year before being eligible to retire from teaching.

"I'm not done coaching. I guess I'm done being an administrator," Derning said. "I always seemed to have my priorities reversed so I thought I'd take my own advice (for my players) and put my family first. I've got a grandson I haven't seen. I haven't seen my parents in five years.

"I don't want to work in the summers, not the whole summer, and all of the time that has to be put in all year around to keep the program running as it should. It's kind of still my baby, but it's time for that baby to get out of the house."

Derning posted a 103-79 record at LT and has a 118-86 record in 21 seasons overall as a high-school head coach. Under Derning, the Lions made the playoffs eight times (1993, 2000 and 2002-07), won first-round playoff games in 1993, 2000 and 2004 and shared West Suburban Conference Silver Division titles in 2007 and 2000.

This past season, the Lions finished 3-6 (2-4 in Silver), with three losses by a combined 10 points, one in overtime. All defeats came to playoff teams, including Class 8A state finalist Hinsdale Central and Class 7A semifinalist Glenbard West and quarterfinalist Downers Grove North.

Grundke said applications for the varsity job probably will be open until at least mid-January before interviews start.

"We talked a couple of times when (Derning) was going to hang them up, and he decided this was the year," Grundke said. "He's obviously had a huge impact not only on our football players but the community for the last 19 years. He's definitely brought some stability and a tremendous number of kids into the program who have left better off than when they came. I can't say enough about Jack and what he's done."

Derning received a great compliment at the banquet. LT players were asked where they'd like to be 10 years from now, and about one dozen responded they'd like to be back at LT as coaches.

"I've never defined myself or the program by wins and losses but rather the positive experience the kids have had and the way they've become young men and active in their community," Derning said.

"There are so many different avenues kids can find release and it's made me feel good the program is healthy, a lot of kids are involved and I think in the community that the program has a lot of respect of being positive. That's something I'm very proud of."