Marist Football Coach Resigns To Join Fortune 500 Company

CHICAGO, IL -- One of the most successful coaches in the history of the Marist High School football program has resigned to accept a position with a global Fortune 500 company. Pat Dunne, who has led the Redhawks' football team for the past nine years, will join Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Dunne led Marist to a 71-31 record over nine seasons and two appearances in the IHSA state title game while making the playoffs eight times. During his tenure, the RedHawks held at least a share of the East Suburban Catholic Conference title three times. Dunne was named the ESCC Coach of the Year in 2011 and 2016.

“Any success that our football program experienced during my term as coach was the direct result of the hard work and talent of our student athletes – dedicated young men from neighborhoods in and around the southwest side of Chicago," Dunne said. "These athletes, who I consider part of my family, have been trained by a group of skilled and committed coaches – my closest friends to be exact – that have been there for me and this program day in and day out over the past nine years.”

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Marist Principal Larry Tucker said Dunne helped "resurrect" the school's football program.

"He set the bar high by developing quality young men with character, work ethic and faith.," Tucker said.

Dunne will be replaced by longtime assistant coach Ron Dawczak, a former star quarterback at Marist and the University of Chicago. Dawczak, who was an assistant on Dunne's staff for five years, was promoted to head coach immediately after Dunne resigned.

"We believe that Coach Dawczak is a bright coach who is an outstanding leader and we are excited for him to continue the exciting brand of football that Marist is known for," Tucker said.

Marist Athletic Director Eric Simpson said Dawczak is "familiar with every facet of the program, as well as the Marist community, and we believe that he will make a seamless transition to the head coach position."