Dan Sharp knows how to keep a secret.

The Joliet Catholic coach knew all along the 2016 football season would be his last. He just didn't inform anyone else until it was over.

After a stellar 20-year reign at Joliet Catholic, Sharp made it official Monday and retired as Hilltoppers coach. He will stay on as the school's athletic director.

Sharp finished with a 223-69 record, including 199-51 at Joliet Catholic with six state championships and two state runner-up finishes.

“You know how the old saying goes, ‘You know when it's time when it's time,' ” Sharp said. “I knew this would be it before the season. I wanted to keep it to myself.

“I just feel there's not much more that I can do. It's a perfect time for me to do this.”

Sharp's decision was made easier knowing his successor was in place. Jake Jaworski, a 2002 Joliet Catholic graduate, will take over the reins of the prestigious program.

Jaworski, 32, has spent 11 years as an assistant in the football program, including the past eight with the varsity under Sharp. He was an offensive assistant before being promoted four years ago to defensive coordinator.

A captain and safety on back-to-back state championship teams in 2000 and 2001 at Joliet Catholic, Jaworski was praised by Sharp for his all-around abilities.

“Jake has all the qualities you need as a head coach,” Sharp said. “He's a tremendous leader. He's very organized and very knowledgeable. He's an excellent communicator. He's a natural.”

Joliet Catholic won at least 10 games 13 times under Sharp and qualified for the playoffs 18 straight seasons before a 1-8 record in 2016.

“I'm very proud of what we've done the last 20 years,” Sharp said. “Now, we're in a bit of a rebuilding mode, and it's time for a young guy like Jake to take over.

“I never knew that we'd have the tough season we had this season. But with all the returning players we have for next season, the program is in a much better situation.”

Sharp, 60, graduated from Joliet Catholic in 1974. After spending four years as coach at Minooka, he returned to his alma mater in 1997. In his third season, he led Joliet Catholic to the Class 4A state title. It would begin a run of five state titles in six seasons between 1999 and 2004.

Sharp made it clear he'll assist Jaworski any way possible, but won't meddle.

“I'll still be involved to support Jake,” Sharp said. “But I won't hover over him. If he needs to talk about stuff, I'm here for him. I feel like I'm turning over the keys to the family business to a son. This is best for me personally and Joliet Catholic.”

A married father of three children, Jaworski called the news bittersweet. He's excited to lead the storied football program that he once played for, but he's sad to see Sharp retire.

“Coach Sharp is Joliet Catholic football with all the success he's had,” Jaworski said. “I'm just very grateful. It's a very exciting day for myself, my family and, hopefully, the Joliet Catholic community.”

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