York High School's school board voted 5-4 to appoint Daryl "Bud" Kyle as the new head football coach for the 2026-27 season, ending Russ Stoner's decade-long tenure that had become a cornerstone of the program's identity.
A divided decision
Stoner, who guided the Bearcats for ten seasons, compiled a 62-41 record and led the team to eight District 3 playoff appearances. His departure was met with a chorus of voices at the recent meeting, where more than thirty community members, including former players and parents, pleaded for his continuation.
Emotional testimonies painted a picture of a coach who was more than a strategist; he was a mentor who shaped lives on and off the field. A petition supporting Stoner gathered over 1,100 signatures, underscoring the breadth of his impact.
Community reaction
Attendees such as Maddi Stoner, Michael Breeland, Diane Glover-Brown, Margie Orr, Cassandra Liggins, Aisha Beatty-White, Lisa Kennedy, Tynisha Wilkes, Halman Smith II, Micah Leonard, Montress Jackson, Dwayne Beady, Dahmier Banks, Khalid Dorsey, Jaishan Matte, Bennett Brautigan, Matt Ortega, and Sam Stoner shared personal stories that highlighted the coach's role in their development.
In contrast, Kyle brings a proven track record from his recent stint at Eastern York, where he led the team to three consecutive winning seasons and playoff berths, establishing himself as a rising star in the coaching ranks.
The board's decision comes just weeks before August practice begins, and the team is slated to open the 2026 schedule at home against Harrisburg, the defending District 3 Class 6A champion, on August 28.