Anna 
Miles Osei, a standout quarterback and coach whose journey has broken barriers both on and off the field, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Evanston Township High School (ETHS) football team. Osei’s hiring, announced on January 25, fills the vacancy left by Mike Burzawa, who resigned after 17 years at the helm.
The 32-year-old Osei, who made history as the first Black starting quarterback at Prospect High School and later the first Black head coach in the Mid-Suburban East Conference, brings a wealth of experience to the Wildkits. His hiring marks another significant milestone in a career defined by leadership, determination, and a drive to pave the way for future athletes of color.
A Legacy of Leadership and Determination
Osei’s football journey began at Prospect High School in 2006, where he quickly rose from a freshman backup to the starting quarterback in just one season. The catalyst for his confidence came from a conversation with Brent Pearlman, the longtime Prospect head coach, who told Osei, “You can take this thing as far as you really want to go.” Pearlman’s words stuck with Osei, helping propel him toward a successful career that included a scholarship to the University of Illinois.
At Illinois, Osei showcased his versatility, playing not only as a quarterback but also contributing as a wide receiver, kickoff returner, and even a pass catcher. His all-around ability helped him excel despite competition for playing time, including backup duties behind Nathan Scheelhaase. By the end of his college career, Osei had accumulated impressive stats, including 77 rushing yards, 177 passing yards, 213 return yards, and 399 receiving yards.
Breaking Barriers and Mentoring Future Athletes
After graduating, Osei transitioned into coaching, starting as an assistant at Wheeling High School before moving on to become the head coach at Elk Grove High School at the age of 23. Under his leadership, Elk Grove went from a struggling program to one that made its first state playoff appearance in nearly a decade. Osei’s impact continued at Kankakee High School, where he led the team to a 21-3 record in two years.
ETHS Athletic Director Chris Livatino noted Osei’s dynamic leadership skills, saying, “He impressed myself and our committee right from the very first interview. He checked all our boxes, and then some.” Livatino also highlighted Osei’s personal connection to the program and the community, a bond that Osei believes will help him create a long-lasting legacy at ETHS.
A Role Model for Athletes of Color
For Osei, the opportunity to become the first Black head coach at ETHS is more than just a career achievement; it is a chance to serve as a role model for young athletes of color. “One of the players I met the first day said, ‘It’s cool that someone who looks like me is our head coach,’” Osei shared. The significance of that moment wasn’t lost on him. “It absolutely means a lot to a lot of kids,” he said, recognizing the importance of representation in sports leadership.
Building a Culture of Excellence
Osei’s coaching philosophy focuses on building a strong, unified program. As he prepares to guide the Wildkits, he emphasizes the importance of developing local talent and fostering a team-oriented mindset. His goal is to make ETHS one of the most respected football programs in the state, a vision that resonated with senior wide receiver Canaan Handcox. “He wants to make sure he has a great coaching staff by his side and that everyone is on the same page,” Handcox said, noting the positive change in the team’s offseason preparations.
For Osei, creating that culture starts with his family. He and his wife, Susie, are excited to return to Evanston, a community that feels like home. With two daughters, Osei is eager to integrate his family into the ETHS program, emphasizing the importance of community support in building a successful team.
Looking Ahead
As Osei embarks on this new chapter, his focus remains clear: to develop the next generation of student-athletes and make ETHS football a force to be reckoned with. With a proven track record of leadership, resilience, and dedication, Miles Osei is poised to lead the Wildkits into a bright future, inspiring both players and coaches alike.
“My goal is to make (ETHS) one of the most respected programs in the state,” Osei said. “It will be a lot of work, but I truly believe Evanston has all the resources, all the kids needed to make that happen.”
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