Joe Chango resigns as Country Day football coach

Joe Chango, who led Country Day’s football program to back-to-back trips to the state semifinals, has resigned his position at the school, citing a “difference in philosophy.”

“It was a decision I really thought about a lot,” Chango said Tuesday afternoon, then added, “I have no idea what my future holds.”

Chango submitted his resignation on Monday and told his players earlier Tuesday.

Joe Chango .. says "it was time for him to move on" from @MPCountryDay school — says he does plan on coaching again #wgnosports #WGNOtv

— Ed Daniels (@WGNOsports) January 28, 2020

Chango had a career record of 40-18 in five seasons at Country Day. Previously, he was offensive coordinator at Jesuit for two years, including the 2014 campaign in which the Blue Jays won their first state championship in 54 years.

In 2018, the Cajuns had a magical undefeated regular season that included fourth-quarter comebacks against eventual Class 3A champion Amite and state semifinalists St. Charles Catholic and Newman.

Country Day was just one win away from a first-ever trip to a state championship game but lost 57-54 to Catholic of New Iberia in the Division III semifinals.

Chango called that game “a real indicator of how we brought the program – the fact we were three points away from going to the Dome,” he said. “I’m really proud of what our kids and coaches were able to accomplish.”

Dropping down to Class 1A and Division IV in 2019, the Cajuns upset top-seeded Vermilion Catholic in the quarterfinals before losing at eventual Division IV champion Ouachita Christian in the semis.

Chango is a native of New Jersey who attended Tulane.

Stay with Crescent City Sports for more on this developing story.