Chiodo moves on to Highland Park

The search is on for West Chicago's next football coach.

Wildcats athletic director Doug Mullaney announced Monday that Hal Chiodo has resigned as the school's varsity football coach to take the same position at Highland Park.

Chiodo, who came to the area after guiding Lexington and Morton to playoff berths in 12 of his 13 years at the helm, is stepping down after only one season with the Wildcats, who last fall finished 2-7 overall and 1-6 in the DuPage Valley Conference.

Mullaney, who received Chiodo's letter of resignation on Friday, said he'll begin the search for a new coach immediately. He added Chiodo's departure opens up a teaching position in the physical education department.

With the goal of completing the hiring process in a couple of weeks, Mullaney hopes to have the new coach in place by June.

"We're going to move quick," Mullaney said. "I think this creates a great opportunity for West Chicago. Now it's time to look for that person who will be with the kids for a long time."

Mullaney said he aims to attract applications from eager assistant coaches from surrounding area programs.

"There's a dedication with the administration to get someone who's going to put some teeth into the program," Mullaney said. "We're excited about the direction we're headed."