Mike Frederick steps down as Cape football coach

After three years of leading the Cape football program, Mike Frederick has stepped down as head coach of the high school varsity team.

“Every year when I'm done coaching, I take some time, and I ask myself ... am I the right person? Do I have the time, the energy and the resources to be able to help them move forward?” Frederick said. 

Frederick, a director of business development for a financial tech firm in Philadelphia, took the Cape job in 2022 when he could work remotely.

“It's gotten a little bit tougher for me over the last couple of years,” he said. “Part of that has been the need to spend more time in my professional work office – back-to-work policies have gotten a little bit more strict.”

Frederick worked hybrid remote when he took the Cape job, meaning he didn't have to go into Philadelphia at all during the season. Then during the off-season, he would go up a couple of days a week.

This past season, he was required to work in the office more often. He would leave Lewes after practice during the week to be in Philadelphia at 8:30 p.m. He would spend the night and begin work at 6 a.m. Leaving at noon, he was able to make it back to the area in time for the team’s 2:40 p.m. stretch.

“It was taking away time that I couldn't put toward the kids to get them where they needed to be,” Frederick said. “I think we got through it last year; I put in the extra time, whether it be less sleep [or] getting up earlier, and we got a little bit more creative.”

Frederick thinks he had the advantage of a positive environment, and his successor will enjoy the same luxury.

“Amazing support from our administration, from our booster clubs, from our parents, from the other coaches, and the way we kind of cover each other here – it's been second to none,” Frederick said. “Heartbreaking. I think we had 120 kids from ninth through 12th grade, but I don't think that's gonna slow down. I see the trajectory of the program as a positive; I see the talent level as a positive; I see the numbers as a positive; I see the support in the community and the administration, and really everywhere.”

In a statement, Cape Henlopen School District thanked Frederick for his time and efforts. 

"The Cape Henlopen School District would like to extend its most sincere appreciation to coach Mike Frederick for his leadership, guidance, expertise and dedication to our Cape High School football program over the last three years. We recognize that arriving at this decision was not easy for him, and are grateful for all his contributions in the growth of the student-athletes within the program. We will begin our search immediately for a new head football coach to continue building on the foundation set by the current coaching staff and team members. We look forward to sharing additional information with our community in the coming weeks."

Frederick steps down after winning Division 3A Coach of the Year honors following the Vikings' run to the state championship game in 2023.

Frederick is confident the future remains bright for the program.

“I'm 100% convinced the administration has a good plan, and we've been talking about it for a little while – since the end of the season – and the possibilities this could happen,” Frederick said. “I am convinced they will hire a head coach who will be better than me, and will be the right person for the next step in the progression and what they're trying to build.”

Frederick said it was tough to deliver the news to his players.

“Telling the kids today was painful; it was agonizing and it was hurtful, because I don't think we finished the journey,” Frederick said. “We've had some good moments on the field; we've had some good moments off the field. It's the relationships that we carry forward.”

He wants his players to know they can still come to him for advice and support.

“My hope and prayer is that the kids take me up on allowing me to be a continued part of their life heading forward, and that I'm an advocate and resource for them forever,” Frederick said. “That's being part of the Cape family.”