• Luke Yaklich, former Michigan assistant, is the new head boys’ varsity basketball coach at Lincoln-Way East High School.
• Yaklich's decision marks a return to high school coaching after 11 years at the college level, including stints at Michigan and UIC.
• He emphasizes his deep roots in Illinois high school basketball and a desire to focus on fundamentals and player development.

Luke Yaklich, a seasoned basketball coach with experience at both the college and high school levels, has accepted the head coaching position at Lincoln-Way East High School in Frankfort, Illinois. This move signifies a return to high school coaching for Yaklich after spending 11 years in the college ranks, including time as an assistant at the University of Michigan and as the head coach at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). His decision is driven by a passion for Illinois high school basketball and a desire to focus on fundamental player development.

• What: Luke Yaklich accepted the head boys’ varsity basketball coaching job at Lincoln-Way East High School in Frankfort, Illinois.
• Who: Luke Yaklich, former Michigan assistant coach and UIC head coach; Rich Kolimas, the retiring coach from Lincoln-Way East; John Beilein, former Michigan coach.
• When: Yaklich accepted the position in May 2025. He coached at Michigan from 2017 until Beilein left for the NBA. He was fired from UIC in March 2024.
• Where: Lincoln-Way East High School in Frankfort, Illinois; Previously at University of Illinois Chicago and University of Michigan

Luke Yaklich's return to high school coaching represents a significant shift in his career trajectory. After achieving success as a defensive coordinator at Michigan and later serving as head coach at UIC, his decision to coach at Lincoln-Way East suggests a desire for a different coaching environment, one where he can focus on fundamentals and player development. His previous experience under John Beilein at Michigan, where he significantly improved the team's defense, will likely influence his coaching approach at the high school level. The move also signifies a personal connection to Illinois, where he began his career and maintains strong ties.

People would ask me when I was at the college level, ‘Would you ever go back to high school?’ And I’d say all the time, ‘I’m just a high school coach that gets to coach college basketball.’ That’s who I am. I’m excited about (this new job).

I’m jacked up. Illinois is home. I love Illinois high school basketball and southwest suburbs basketball. I had an amazing experience in Joliet. I’ve always recruited Illinois as a college coach. These are my roots.

solidified’ his love for high school basketball because Beilein preached fundamentals and player development over multiple years

Luke Yaklich's appointment as the head coach at Lincoln-Way East marks a new chapter in his coaching career. His extensive experience at both the college and high school levels, coupled with his passion for player development and Illinois basketball, positions him well for success. This move highlights a desire to return to his roots and focus on the fundamentals of the game. While his time at UIC didn't yield NCAA Tournament appearances, his impact on Michigan's defense showcases his coaching abilities.