News Summary

Matthew McDonnell has announced his resignation from Kettle Moraine High School after a successful six-year run that included a state championship win. He will join the Cedarburg Bulldogs for the upcoming 2025 season, aiming to elevate their football program. Known for fostering a winning culture and strong team dynamics, McDonnell’s leadership has left a lasting impact on the Kettle Moraine community. This transition aligns with his family values, and he will bring familiar coaching staff with him to Cedarburg as they embark on this new journey together.

Cedarburg Welcomes New Football Coach as Kettle Moraine’s Matthew McDonnell Moves On

In a move that has sent ripples through the high school football community, Matthew McDonnell has announced his resignation as head coach at Kettle Moraine High School. After leading the Lasers to their first WIAA state football championship in over 30 years in 2022, he now looks forward to a new opportunity with the Cedarburg Bulldogs in the 2025 season.

A Remarkable Tenure at Kettle Moraine

McDonnell’s time with Kettle Moraine has been nothing short of impressive. During his six-year tenure, he produced an overall record of 41 wins and 26 losses, which includes back-to-back 11-win seasons in 2022 and 2023. In 2022, the team not only clinched the coveted state title but also achieved their first Classic 8 Conference title in 2023, completing a fantastic journey through triumph and growth.

His leadership was instrumental in fostering a winning culture, with the Lasers completing an unbeaten season while clinching the Classic 8 title in a nail-biting 8-7 victory against Muskego. McDonnell credits the players for all the success rather than attributing it solely to his coaching prowess. He has always believed that team dynamics, passion, and hard work led them to such great heights.

What’s Next for McDonnell

After handing in his resignation to Kettle Moraine athletic director Ryan Tomczyk, McDonnell will be heading to Cedarburg, which recently found itself with a vacancy after longtime coach Brian Leair retired. Cedarburg is recognized for its thriving community and has been labeled as one of the top five school districts in Wisconsin. This blend of a promising environment and a supportive community appears to be a perfect fit for McDonnell, who aims to elevate the Bulldogs program to statewide prominence.

A Family Decision

Tomczyk addressed the Kettle Moraine community, emphasizing that McDonnell’s decision was made with family considerations in mind. McDonnell cherishes the values of family, and this transition aligns with those priorities. The search for his replacement has already begun, with announcements made across educational platforms, ensuring that the Kettle Moraine program continues to attract passionate candidates.

Coaching Staff Changes

Joining McDonnell on his new journey in Cedarburg will be some familiar faces, including offensive coordinator Dominic Cappozzo, known as his “best friend,” and quarterbacks coach Jon Sain. This continuity in coaching staff could bring about a significant change for the Bulldogs, fostering an environment similar to what was accomplished at Kettle Moraine.

Looking Ahead

McDonnell has already set his sights on developing Cedarburg’s football program into a competitive force statewide. His track record of success, including being awarded the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Division 2 Coach of the Year in 2022, makes it clear he has the skills to take on this exciting challenge.

Final Thoughts

As the Kettle Moraine community bids farewell to a beloved coach, the excitement builds around McDonnell’s next chapter. While his departure brings sadness, there’s an undeniable eagerness for what lies ahead at Cedarburg. The future is bright for both McDonnell and the Lasers, and as they each embark on their new journeys, there’s plenty of enthusiasm and hopeful anticipation that change will bring fresh success.

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