Karcich graduated from Hackensack High School, where he was an all-county linebacker, and Syracuse University. He graduated from Syracuse in 1969. Karcich stepped down as athletic director at the school at the end of last school year. He served as head football coach for 29 years (1985-2013), winning 17 state titles and finished with a North Jersey best 338 victories. He also has four former players in the NFL.