After serving 14 years as Yale’s head coach, Tony Reno stepped down from his position on Tuesday. The news came after Reno took a leave of absence in December to deal with health issues. The 52-year-old cited health conditions as the reason for his tough decision. With him now leaving a legacy behind, his son and Yale’s QB, Dante Reno, shared a heartfelt message, pouring out overwhelming love.

“Dad, you are my role model, my best friend, and my coach,” Dante Reno wrote on X. “I love you so much. The last 15 years, you have been the best head coach I have ever seen. From your first year to playing with you last year, you have put your heart and soul into coaching. Your legacy will last forever.”

Tony’s son, Dante, arrived at Yale to play for his dad last June, transferring from South Carolina, after redshirting the mid-season. He served as a starting QB for the Bulldogs in 2025 and threw for 2,498 yards, 21 touchdowns, and ten interceptions. With his debut season with the Bulldogs, he made it to the school record books for the most passing yards in the program’s history.

The breakout run helped Yale win the Ivy League title and led them to the first FCS playoff, where they lost in the quarterfinal to eventual winners Montana State by 21-13.

“My dad’s a proven winner,” the younger Reno said upon transferring to Yale. “Won four championships and puts guys in the NFL and gets guys drafted. I’m super excited to compete.”

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Dante announced his return to Yale for the 2026 season. However, he would probably be playing his next three years of eligibility under a new coach, as his dad stepped down from the head coaching role.

Tony Reno shares his gratitude for Yale

The Yale Bulldogs, on February 17th, released a public statement on Tony Reno’s decision to step down. However, it is unknown about the health problem he’s undergoing or whether he will return to Yale after recovering. On the official release, Tony shared his gratitude to the Bulldogs and how it helped change his life.

“Given my current health situation, I have made the decision to step down as head coach of Yale Football,” Tony Reno said in a statement. “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.”

Tony took over the program in 2012 and led the Bulldogs to their first FCS playoff this past season. He holds a record of 83-49 and won five Ivy League titles throughout his time there. With this, Tony became the second-winningest coach in Yale history, only behind the Bulldogs’ legendary coach, Carm Cozza.