Yale football head coach Tony Reno has announced he is stepping down from the job after 14 years, citing health reasons.
The 52-year-old had been at Yale since 2012, leading the Bulldogs to five Ivy League titles and wins over Harvard in seven of the last nine meetings. He ranks second in program history in wins, with an 83-49 record, behind only the legendary Carm Cozza (179-119-5).
“Given my current health situation, I have made the decision to step down as head coach of Yale Football,” Reno said in a release. “When I arrived at Yale 14 years ago, I could never have imagined what this journey would become. The relationships formed, the moments shared, and the people I have been privileged to be surrounded by have changed my life and my family’s lives forever. I am deeply grateful to the players, the coaches, and the staff who gave everything they had to Yale Football.”
Reno took a medical leave of absence from the program in December, following the season. Outside of games, his schedule had been kept limited during the season, with assistants filling in at media functions. Yale announced that defensive coach Sean McGowan would take over while Reno recovered from his undisclosed illness.
Still, led by his son and sophomore quarterback Dante Reno, Yale finished 9-3 and won the Ivy League title in 2025. The Bulldogs represented the league in the FCS playoffs after the league’s presidents allowed schools to participate for the first time. Yale authored one of the most memorable comebacks in FCS playoff history in its first-ever postseason game, erasing a 42-14 deficit with just over seven minutes left in the third quarter and upsetting Youngstown State, 43-42. They lost to eventual national champion Montana State, 21-13, in the next round.
Dante Reno, who transferred from South Carolina in part to play for his dad, finished the season with 2,498 passing yards (fourth most in program history). He also threw for 21 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.
Yale finished ranked No. 13 in the NCAA FCS rankings. Tony Reno and his staff were named Ivy League Coaching Staff of the Year, and also won the award in 2022.
“From the very beginning, I spoke about honoring the proud tradition of Yale Football and fully embracing the responsibility that comes with leading this program. Together, we pursued excellence and built something truly meaningful,” Reno said. “I am incredibly proud of the foundation we laid and confident in the future of Yale Football. Serving as the head coach of this program has been the greatest honor of my life.”
Reno finishes his coaching career with a 7-6 record against Harvard. His program also produced five NFL draft picks, including Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, who led the NFL in tackles in 2021 and 2022
“Coach Reno’s leadership has been truly transformational,” athletic director Victoria Chun said. “His impact on Yale Football, our department, and the university extends far beyond championships and wins—it lives in the countless people he has inspired. Coach Reno led with integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, giving his whole heart to this program every day. He cared deeply about his players as people, challenging them to excel on the field, in the classroom, and in life. Coach Reno’s devotion to Yale and to the young men he coached was total, and his legacy will endure for generations. We are profoundly grateful to Tony and his wife, Toni, and their children Dante, Angelina, and Vince for all they have given to our Yale community.”
Yale said a national search for the program’s next coach would begin immediately.