The York City School District's Board of Directors has formally appointed Daryl 'Bud' Kyle as the new head football coach for York High, a decision reached after a contentious 5-4 vote. This appointment, effective for the 2026-27 season, follows the board's earlier choice not to renew the contract of long-serving coach Russ Stoner, a move that ignited considerable debate and public expression of support for Stoner.
The board meeting, which extended over two and a half hours, saw an outpouring of emotion and advocacy from the community. More than thirty individuals, comprising current and former athletes, their guardians, and local residents, addressed the board during the public comment section. Many speakers shared personal testimonies detailing Coach Stoner's profound positive influence on their lives, often becoming visibly moved. Additionally, nine letters of support for Stoner that had been sent to the district were publicly acknowledged.
A petition launched by Stoner's daughter, Maddi, on Change.org, rapidly amassed over 1,100 signatures, urging the board to re-evaluate its stance based on Stoner's comprehensive contributions, the football program's successes, and his significant impact on countless lives. The community's strong backing for Stoner underscored the deep personal connections he forged during his decade-long tenure, where he achieved a 62-41 record and guided the team to eight District 3 playoff appearances, including an impressive 11-2 season in 2018.
The vote results saw Board Directors Michael Breeland, Diane Glover-Brown, Margie Orr, Cassandra Liggins, and Aisha Beatty-White voting in favor of Kyle's appointment. Conversely, President Lisa Kennedy, Vice President Tynisha Wilkes, and Board Directors Halman Smith II and Micah Leonard voted against the hiring, reflecting the division within the board itself.
Prior to the board meeting, a large group of current York High players and Stoner's supporters gathered at Small Field and marched together to the school board office. During the public comment period, which allowed each speaker five minutes, many passionately argued for Stoner's retention. Two individuals were denied speaking time as they resided outside the school district.
Former York High athletes, including Montress Jackson and Dwayne Beady, made heartfelt pleas to the district to reconsider its decision. Jackson, a 2023 alumnus now playing at Ursinus College, emphasized Stoner's ability to instill discipline and foster excellence, stating that Stoner taught his players to achieve success not only on the field but also in life. He highlighted the transformation of the team under Stoner, recalling a dismal 0-10 record before his arrival and the subsequent consistent progress.
Beady recounted how Stoner provided crucial support, including housing and furniture, during a period of homelessness for his family. Similarly, Dahmier Banks, a 2018 graduate, shared how Stoner became a vital support system when his mother worked extended hours and his father was incarcerated, affirming Banks' aspirations and potential. Khalid Dorsey, a former York High standout and assistant coach under Stoner, urged the community to unite for the team's benefit, regardless of coaching changes, especially with the impending season opener against Harrisburg.
Current players like Jaishan Matte and Bennett Brautigan also expressed their unwavering support for Stoner. Matte spoke emotionally about Stoner being a father figure to him and his teammates, highlighting how Stoner prioritized his players as part of his extended family. The strong community presence at the meeting showcased the profound bond between Coach Stoner and his players and the wider York High community.
Daryl 'Bud' Kyle, a York High alumnus from 2005, played as a linebacker under former Bearcats coach Matt Ortega before continuing his collegiate career at Division I FCS St. Francis and then Millersville. His coaching journey began at York High as a freshman coach for two years, followed by a varsity assistant role at Steelton-Highspire. Kyle's first head coaching position was at Columbia in 2017, where he led the team to a 19-29 record over five seasons, including an 8-2 finish in his final year and Columbia's first Lancaster-Lebanon divisional title since 2002.
Subsequently, Kyle coached at Eastern York, achieving three consecutive winning seasons and three District 3 playoff appearances, turning around a program that had struggled with five head coaches in 12 seasons. He concluded his four years with the Golden Knights with a 23-20 record. Kyle's approval comes just under two months before the scheduled start of high school football practices in August, with York High's first game set for August 28 at home against Harrisburg, the reigning District 3 Class 6A champion.
The appointment of Daryl 'Bud' Kyle to lead the York High football program for the 2026-27 season marks a new chapter for the team, following a deeply debated decision by the school board. This change has drawn significant attention from the community, highlighting the impactful legacy of former coach Russ Stoner and the aspirations tied to the incoming leadership. As the season approaches, the focus shifts to how the team and community will adapt to this transition and rally for future success on the field.
