Deerfield Football Coach Winiecki Retiring After 26 Years At Helm

DEERFIELD, IL — The sideline at Deerfield varsity football games won't look quite the same next fall as longtime coach Steve Winiecki is retiring.

"For 26 incredible years, Coach Winiecki has been the cornerstone of Warrior football, inspiring the athletes to exceed expectations both on and off the school," Deerfield High School Athletics said in a social media post Tuesday.

According to the school, Winiecki won 150 games, seven Central Suburban North titles, and made 15 playoff appearances, including a trip to the 2003 quarterfinals and the 2019 semifinals. In addition, he mentored 12 All-State selections, 14 CSL players of the year, and future NFL talents such as Charlie Jones (Cincinnati Bengals), and Aaron Moorehead, currently a wide receivers coach for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Winiecki was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2022.

"Coach Winiecki's legacy is irreplaceable, but as we begin the search for the next head coach, we are committed to building on the foundation he created," DHS Athletics said.

According to the school, Winiecki will continue assisting with senior recruiting and the conclusion of the 2024 season.