John Holecek is back at the helm — although he wasn’t gone for very long.
Loyola Academy announced Tuesday that Holecek, who has been an assistant football coach at the school the last two seasons, is once again head coach.
He stepped down from that job in December 2022 with a 185-36 record after leading the program to the Class 8A state championship, his third at the school. During Holecek’s 17-season run starting in 2006, the Ramblers played in seven state finals and made the playoffs every year.
He returned in July 2024 as an assistant coach under Beau Desherow, who led the Ramblers the last three seasons.
“This program has always meant a great deal to me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to step back into this role,” Holecek said in a statement. “Working alongside Beau and our staff, we’re focused on continuing to raise the standard and creating an environment where our students can grow, compete and thrive.”
Holecek played eight seasons in the NFL, mostly with the Bills, after starring as a linebacker at Marian Catholic and Illinois.
Desherow is staying with the program and taking on a new position as general manager.
“John and Beau’s shared dedication to developing the physical, spiritual and emotional strength of our student-athletes reflects what it truly means to be men for others,” the Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, Loyola’s president, said in a statement. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have such a remarkable duo leading our program.”
Desherow was 30-7 in his three seasons, leading Loyola to back-to-back Class 8A titles in his first two. The Ramblers had a tough schedule in 2025, finished 4-5 and lost to Mount Carmel in the first round of the playoffs.
“Beau has been an outstanding leader of this program and a steady presence for our students,” Loyola athletic director Genevieve Atwood said. “His ability to build relationships, develop talent and lead with integrity has been central to our recent success, and his expanded role will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the program.”
Holecek, widely regarded as the top high school football coach in Illinois at the time he stepped down, has some stiff competition for that distinction now. Jordan Lynch has won four straight state titles with Mount Carmel.
Additionally, the last few years, several Loyola players have received Power Four scholarship offers. That wasn’t the case for much of Holecek’s first run, when success was driven by superior coaching and numbers but not necessarily top-tier athletes.
There isn’t another high school football program in the state with a general manager. It’s likely that other area schools were trying to lure Holecek away, but the creation of the GM position allows Loyola to keep both him and Desherow.
“I’m grateful to continue serving Loyola in this new role and to work alongside John and our staff,” Desherow said. “We have a strong foundation in place, and I’m excited about what we can continue to build together for our players and for the entire Loyola community.”