Thursday, October 1, 2026
MacArthur High School football coach Bob Fehrenbach stepped down from his position Monday after 28 seasons, telling players and coaches after the team’s first official practice that he no longer felt the same connection to the players, and believed it was time for someone else to take over.
Fehrenbach, who retired as a physical education teacher in 2025, had continued coaching after leaving the classroom. He told Newsday that no longer being in the school building each day and seeing students in class and the hallways had affected his connection with his players.
Fehrenbach said he had hoped that summer activities, including 7-on-7 competitions, morning workouts and youth camps, would restore his enthusiasm for coaching, but he ultimately decided it was time to retire.
Levittown Superintendent Todd Winch said the district learned of Fehrenbach’s decision earlier this week, around the same time it became public. “He had come resolved with the decision,” Winch said. “He was just letting us know.”
Winch said he was not aware that Fehrenbach had been feeling disconnected from the team before his resignation.
The departure marks the end of one of the longest coaching tenures in MacArthur football history. Fehrenbach led the Generals to Nassau Conference II regular-season championships in 2002 and 2019 and appearances in the Long Island Class II championship game in 2002 and 2015. He finished his career with a 151-97-2 record.
Winch described Fehrenbach as a fixture at MacArthur, noting that he is a graduate of the school, and spent years working there as an educator in addition to coaching. “He’s definitely a legend here,” Winch said. “He graduated from MacArthur. He taught MacArthur. He bleeds Generals red. He is MacArthur through and through.”
Winch added that Fehrenbach also coached other sports, including softball.
“He’s a classy man,” Winch said. “He loves the kids. He has always been about not just preparing students to play sports. He has worked to prepare them for life and to provide those life skills that you learn through athletics — teamwork, perseverance, hard work.”
Winch said that the district has already heard from former students and community members who were saddened by Fehrenbach’s departure and reached out to say how important he was to them while they were growing up in the district.
Fehrenbach announced his decision directly to the team Monday rather than through a written statement.
The timing leaves MacArthur searching for a new head coach with the season just weeks away. For now, the team's three assistant coaches — Steve Fazzolari, Tommy Bobal and Ryan Cunningham — are running practices.
The district has posted the head coaching position, Winch said, and will review candidates before deciding whether to name a permanent replacement. If officials do not find the right candidate, the district could use an interim coach.
“We’re looking for someone that’s committed to children and committed to excellence,” Winch said. “That’s what we look for in everybody we hire. It’s really no different for coaches.”
He acknowledged that replacing Fehrenbach would be difficult given his tenure and the history he built with the program. “Someone’s got to be able to take up that mantle that Bobby Fehrenbach carried for so many years,” he said. “Those are not easy cleats to fill.”
Despite the sudden change, Winch said he is confident the Generals will be ready for the season. “Our assistant coaches have this right now,” he said. “They know the drill. They’ll make sure our players are ready for the season to start.”
Fehrenbach, meanwhile, told Newsday that he plans to spend more time with his wife, Nancy, and daughters Kayla and Brianna. He also became a grandfather last November.
“I would not have my heart in it,” he said of continuing to coach.
Winch said the district would honor Fehrenbach’s contributions while looking toward the future. “If anything, I think that what Bobby would want is for the team to keep moving forward,” Winch said. “We need to ensure that that’s our responsibility. He’s done his part.”
