Yale Hires Lehigh's Kevin Cahill as New Football Coach

Cahill replaces Tony Reno, who stepped down last week citing health reasons

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Yale University has hired Kevin Cahill, the FCS Coach of the Year at Lehigh University, as its new head football coach. Cahill previously served on the Bulldogs' coaching staff from 2012 to 2022 before leaving to lead Lehigh to the FCS playoffs. He will replace Tony Reno, who stepped down last week citing health reasons after 10 seasons as Yale's head coach.

Why it matters

The hiring of Cahill is expected to provide continuity for Yale's football program, as he is familiar with the team's system and roster from his previous tenure as an assistant coach. Cahill's success at the FCS level, including being named the national Coach of the Year, also suggests he has the experience and ability to lead the Bulldogs to continued success in the Ivy League and potentially the FCS playoffs.

The details

Cahill, 47, was the recipient of the Eddie Robinson Award as the FCS Coach of the Year after leading Lehigh to an unbeaten regular season, a second consecutive Patriot League title, and a playoff appearance in 2025. He was on Reno's staff at Yale from 2012 to 2022, serving as the associate head coach and offensive coordinator for the last five seasons. Cahill played quarterback at Springfield College before starting his coaching career in 2001, with stops at Maine Maritime, Springfield, Tennessee Martin, and Maine prior to joining Yale.

  • Cahill was on the Bulldogs' staff from 2012 to 2022.
  • Cahill left Yale to become the head coach at Lehigh in 2023.
  • Cahill led Lehigh to an unbeaten regular season and Patriot League title in 2025.
  • Reno stepped down as Yale's head coach last week, citing health reasons.
  • Cahill will make his debut as Yale's head coach on September 19 at Holy Cross.

The players

Kevin Cahill

The new head football coach at Yale University, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Bulldogs from 2012 to 2022 before becoming the head coach at Lehigh University, where he was named the FCS Coach of the Year in 2025.

Tony Reno

The former head football coach at Yale University, who stepped down last week citing health reasons after 10 seasons leading the Bulldogs.

Vicky Chun

The Thomas A. Beckett Director of Athletics at Yale University, who expressed excitement about welcoming Cahill back to the program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It is an honor to return to Yale football. This legendary program has a proud history built on academic excellence, sportsmanship, and competitive success, and I look forward to working every day to build upon that foundation.”

— Kevin Cahill, New Head Football Coach (courant.com)

“We're absolutely thrilled to welcome Kevin back home to the Yale Bowl. From his formative years under Coach Reno's mentorship to his outstanding success at Lehigh, highlighted by being named the nation's top FCS coach as the Eddie Robinson Award winner, Kevin has consistently built and supported strong, values-driven programs grounded in character and culture. Our entire community is excited to welcome Kevin, his wife Carah, and their children Patrick, Thomas, and Elizabeth, back home to Yale.”

— Vicky Chun, Thomas A. Beckett Director of Athletics (courant.com)

What’s next

Cahill will make his debut as Yale's head coach on September 19 when the Bulldogs travel to face Holy Cross.

The takeaway

The hiring of Kevin Cahill, a former Yale assistant coach who has found success as a head coach at the FCS level, is expected to provide stability and continuity for the Bulldogs' football program as they look to build on their Ivy League championship and FCS playoff appearance under the previous regime.