Tuesday, April 25, 2021, the Rock Island-Milan School District Board of Education approved the hire of Fritz Dieudonne (Dee-u-doh-nay) to be the head varsity football coach at Rock Island High School.

The hire comes after former head coach Ben Hammer announced his resignation earlier this year. Coach Dieudonne has more than 23 years of coaching experience. He is a familiar face not only in the Quad Cities but Rock Island High School.

Dieudonne was the Varsity Defense Coordinator for Rock Island High School’s football team from 2017-2021. He was also a Defensive Line Coach for the Quad City Steamwheelers, as well as holding other coaching positions at various Quad City high schools. Most recently Coach Dieudonne was the head varsity football coach at Alleman Catholic High School. He has demonstrated to be an outstanding role model and leader throughout his career.

Athletic Director Mike Emendorfer says Coach Dieudonne will be a great addition to the Rocks, "I am beyond excited to welcome Coach Dieudonne and his family to the Rock Island-Milan School District. Fritz has a passion for developing the student-athlete not only on the field but off.  He has the ability to mentor men and develop talent.  He also has a tremendous work ethic, determination, and a great understanding of the game. I look forward to seeing the impact on our players and the football program under his leadership.”