Teonic leaves South Elgin among area coaching changes

Dragan Teonic has resigned after six seasons at South Elgin. No reason was given other than a statement from South Elgin principal Kurt Johansen.

Johansen sent a brief three-paragraph letter that went out to players and parents in the football program.

In the letter, Johansen stated that he was “Writing to inform you about a recent change in our football staff. Mr. Dragan Teonic submitted his resignation from his position as coach, effective immediately. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and continued support for our students on the football team. We are actively seeking a qualified replacement who will uphold the high standards of our team and school.”

According to an email that the Daily Herald received from the U-46 district communications office, Teonic’s resignation was accepted on Jan. 5. The position has not yet been posted on the U-46 website.

Teonic began his tenure at South Elgin in 2018, becoming the third head coach in school history. He was 51-9 in his six seasons at South Elgin.

His teams won or shared the Upstate Eight Conference title the last five seasons. He led the Storm to the playoffs in every season.

The Storm went 6-5 in the playoffs including this year’s second round 51-21 loss to Warren.

Just a week prior, Teonic won his 100th career victory beating Lane Tech in the opening round of the playoffs. Those 100 wins include victories as a head coach at Hersey and Larkin as well as his time as head coach at Harper College.

There are also coaching changes at other schools in the area.

As published earlier this week, Mike Fitzgerald resigned as coach at York to take the position at Marist.

There are other changes at Rolling Meadows, Mundelein, Streamwood and Maine East.

Sam Baker submitted his resignation after four seasons at Rolling Meadows. Baker’s teams at Meadows were 13-21 in his four seasons for the Mustangs.

He was 2-4 in his first season, which was the 2021 shortened spring football season. His team made the playoffs the following season.

The Mustangs were 2-7 last season after going 4-5 the prior season. It was the first time in over 20 seasons that Rolling Meadows had posted back-to-back losing seasons.

Baker, who came over from Grayslake North where he was 17-13 in three years with his teams qualifying for the playoffs in two of those years.

“Sam did step down for personal reasons” Rolling Meadows athletic director Jim Voyles said. “Sometime in mid-January is when we plan to get something going to get us a new coach.”

Vince DeFrancesco stepped down at Mundelein after five seasons. DeFrancesco was 14-28 in his five seasons for the Mustangs.

He had his team pointing in the right direction this season when the Mustangs won their first four games. But Mundelein lost its final five games. Mundelein has not had a winning season and qualified for the playoffs since 2004.

Keith McMaster resigned at Streamwood after four seasons. His teams were 11-22 in those years after going 5-1 in the COVID spring season. Those five wins were the most for the Sabres since 2011 when they won six games.

Rob Winkel also resigned from Maine East right after the 2023 season was completed. Winkel was 2-49 in six seasons at Maine East. Maine East has not had a winning season since 1978.