York's Lech opts to hang up his whistle

After seven years at the helm, Bill Lech has resigned as York's football coach.

Lech gave the news to his team last week and turned in his letter of resignation Monday.

"With the amount of time and effort it takes to build a successful program, right now I couldn't focus on it the best I could," he said.

Lech posted a record of 51-23 with the Dukes, including playoff berths in six seasons. York, which reached the Class 8A semifinals in 2006, won West Suburban Silver titles in 2006, 2007 and 2010.

Before coming to York, Lech coached Dixon for two seasons and reached the playoffs both years in 2000 and 2001. Lech was the head coach at Leyden for three years leading up to his hiring at York and has a career mark of 73-49 in 12 seasons.

"I've done the best I could and it's come at the expense of other people, including myself," he said. "I just want to spend more time with my family. I've read other guys in the past say that, and it's really true."

Lech didn't rule out coaching in the future, as an assistant or even a head coach. For now, though, he feels the need to tend to personal matters.

"I'm not ruling out ever coaching again, but it'd have to be the right opportunity at the right time," he said.