Mike Fitzgerald is coming home.
And Marist hit a home run.
We live in a world that’s always asking, “What have you done for me lately?” But we should not forget how successful Ron Dawczak’s tenure with the RedHawks was.
Marist dropped some big news Monday afternoon, announcing the hiring of Fitzgerald as its head football coach, replacing Dawczak — who stepped down after seven seasons.
Coming off back-to-back Class 8A state semifinal runs at York, Fitzgerald said he wasn’t looking for a new job.
But he started his high school coaching career in 2008 at Marist and spent six seasons as the offensive coordinator under Pat Dunne. He has kept an eye on the RedHawks ever since.
“When we got there in 2008, they had kind of had some down years and I feel like we rejuvenated that and got it rolling and they’ve done a great job since,” Fitzgerald said. “I’ve always respected it from afar, and as I’ve moved on to other places, Marist has always had a special place in my heart.”
When Marist came calling, Fitzgerald decided it was too good to pass up.
“I was incredibly happy at York and it would take an opportunity as unique as this to make me leave,” Fitzgerald said. “I’m just thankful they thought of me in this regard to reach out to me.
“It’s crazy how it all worked out and, 10 years later, I’m coming back.”
If Fitzgerald is ecstatic about Marist, that feeling should be mutual.
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The RedHawks landed a coach who went 43-17 in six seasons at York, including 31-5 in the last three seasons.
One of the most memorable wins during those postseason runs to the semifinals came in the second round on his new home field in 2022 when York beat Marist 27-21 in a double-overtime thriller.
Fitzgerald found success after York’s previous two coaches went a combined 14-40 in six seasons with no playoff appearances.
Although Fitzgerald started his tenure with back-to-back 4-5 seasons, he built the program back up. After a 4-2 showing during the pandemic-affected 2020 season, the Dukes were off to the races, finishing 8-2, 12-1 and 11-2 in the past three year.
Fitzgerald turned a cross country powerhouse — the Dukes have 28 state titles in that sport, none in football — into a force to be reckoned with.
Consider me impressed, and also eager to see what kind of noise he can make in the CCL/ESCC.
Don’t just take my word for it, though. Listen to the man he is replacing.
“I think this is an absolute home-run hire for Marist,” Dawczak said. “Mike is one of the top coaches in the state of Illinois. More importantly, he’s a great person. He’s going to fit in really well here. The program is in great hands.”
For his part, Dawczak said he was simply burned out.
“The kids deserved someone who is going to give their all at every point, and I’m proud to say that’s something I’ve done,” Dawczak said. “But there comes a point where there’s nothing left to give.
“I’ve poured my heart and soul into the program, and this is the right time for me to spend more time at home with my wife and kids.”
Hopefully, Marist fans will show Dawczak the respect he deserves as he departs.
Yes, the RedHawks struggled to a 4-5 finish this season, and some alums are undoubtedly upset about their spot in the realigned CCL-ESCC Orange.
Dawczak, though, went 56-24 for the highest winning percentage of any coach in Marist football history. He led the RedHawks to three Class 8A semifinal appearances. His teams always played their hearts out.
When Dunne left in 2017 after taking Marist to unprecedented heights, including two appearances in state championship games, I remember many people questioning whether the success would continue.
Dawczak made sure it did. Now, Fitzgerald is ready to keep it going.
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“I know the type of kids who go to that school,” Fitzgerald said. “When I was there, the kids were so coachable. The effort was always there. They wanted to be great.
“I know those kinds of kids are still there and they’re still hungry.”
Marist administrators and fans are hungry, too. The ultimate goal, of course, is the program’s first state title.
The RedHawks have the right man to get them there.