Frank Lenti Out At Mount Carmel, Jordan Lynch To Replace Legend

CHICAGO, IL - A huge coaching shakeup shook the sports world on the South Side of Chicago Friday afternoon, when Mount Carmel High School announced that beloved alum Jordan Lynch would replace Frank Lenti, a high school football legend, as head coach of the storied Caravan football program. The school said in a release, reported by numerous media outlets, that Lenti is retiring after 34 seasons as head coach at Mount Carmel.

But that's not what Lenti said in a statement of his own. One published by WGN, among others, indicates his coaching career might not be over.

"Contrary to what some may have heard, I am not retiring. I love coaching high school football and may pursue that at some point in the future," he wrote, noting that it was his wish to continue at the helm of the program he led to a state-best 374 victories and 11 state championships.

If his coaching career is not over and Lenti decides to coach at another high school in the area, red carpets are sure to be rolled out. Lenti has won more games that any football coach in Illinois high school history.

RELATED ON PATCH: South Siders Pick Their Favorite Catholic High School Football Team, And It's Not Mount Carmel

The Lenti-era at Mount Carmel saw the Caravan as the class of football in the Catholic League since he started in 1984. Gately Stadium became a South Side mecca for football, and Lenti often had his time as the gold standard.

Now in comes Lynch, one of Lenti's most well-known former players. Donovan McNabb and Simeon Rice were among the others.

Lynch, a 2009 Mount Carmel alum who grew up in Mount Greenwood, went on to star at quarterback at Northern Illinois University, won a Grey Cup championship in the CFL and had a brief stint in the NFL with his hometown Chicago Bears.

He retired from his professional playing career in 2016 and most recently served as the running backs coach at NIU.

“I have no doubt Jordan will go on to be a tremendous coach at the high school level and beyond," NIU Head Football Coach Rod Carey said in a statement published by the Daily Chronicle.

Congratulations @Jordanlynch06, the 2018 Head Coach of @CaravanFootball. Lynch will succeed the winningest coach in Illinois football history, Frank Lenti. Thank you for 34 years of excellence, Coach Frank! pic.twitter.com/oZnsNLqxDI
— Mount Carmel H.S. (@MountCarmelHS) December 29, 2017

At least some Caravan alum were not happy with the move.

This goes against everything we were taught at Mt. Carmel. Where is the loyalty Mr. Hughes? You should be absolutely ashamed of yourselves for treating a legend this way. Frank Lenti is directly responsible for the transformation that's taken place at 64th and Dante!!
— Dan Fleck (@savagedadio) December 29, 2017

"Shame on whoever made this decision," another wrote.

Area sports writers were also puzzled.

Where would Mt. Carmel be without Frank Lenti? Would it still even be open? His story deserved a far better ending than this.
— Pat Disabato (@disabato) December 29, 2017

Lynch is expected to begin in his new role as head coach at his alma mater immediately.

As for Lenti, his statement indicates he will honor his commitment and continue his role in Mount Carmel's development department for now.

Photos: Mount Carmel High School, Northern Illinois University