Bethel Park football coach resigns
For years, Brian DeLallo has taken care of everybody but himself.
A husband and a father, DeLallo is a teacher, responsible for the education of many students. For the past 30 years, he also has been a football coach, responsible for the development of many teenage athletes.
“Everything has taken a backseat to the game, including my health,” he said.
DeLallo has diabetes. His blood sugar numbers are bad; his blood pressure, high. He needs a knee replacement and he’s already had one back surgery.
“It all stems from being overweight,” DeLallo admitted.
In attempt to get his “act together”, DeLallo has decided to resign his position as Bethel Park football coach. He tendered his resignation almost a week after the Black Hawks ended their championship campaign in the semifinal round of the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs.
“I have to step away from the game to get myself right,” DeLallo said. “(My health) is what drove my decision.”
DeLallo resigned after resuscitating the BP football program.
After going winless in 2020, the Black Hawks won the Allegheny Six Conference title with an undefeated record and reached the WPIAL semifinals for the first time in 13 years. BP finished 10-2 overall, losing only to WPIAL runners-up Central Catholic (6A) and USC (5A).
DeLallo said that he enjoyed his time as BP head coach. He added that he has had the honor of working with great kids, coaches and support staff. He is proudest of the commitment made to improve the program.
Going from winless to conference champions was a challenging process.
“Players quit the team. Coaches left the program. We even had some parents move their kids out of the district, because they didn’t believe in the direction the program was going,” DeLallo said.
“Those who stayed committed to each other. When you see that level of shared commitment from players and coaches result in such a turnaround, it’s very special.
“I leave with a lot of love in my heart for these kids and coaches. I am most proud of their effort. They are also what makes the decision to step away so difficult.”