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Connecticut high school football coach quit job midgame.
Connecticut high school football coach Donny Panapada has broken his silence after quitting his job in the middle of his most recent game. He wants to come back.
Panapada regrets the way he handled the situation. At this point in time, he remains unemployed.
Panapada has been leading the Stamford Black Knights for five seasons. He was hired in 2022 and has posted a 16-31 overall record.
Stamford is located about 35 miles outside of New York City and serves grades 9-12 with an enrollment of 2,100 students. It opened its doors all the way back in 1874.
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A view of Stamford High School on a map.
The football team competes at the 2L level in Connecticut’s Fairfield County League. It is currently 3-4 with a 1-3 mark in district play.
During a 42-14 loss to Warde, Panapada quit his job. He did not coach the second half. Administration, to this point, refuses to let him return.
Donny Panapada wants his job back.
The high school football coach resigned from his role at halftime. He was confrontational with players. Principal Matthew Forker responded to the situation in an email to parents the next day.
“(Panapada’s) actions fell short of the standards and expectations we have for the head coach of the Stamford High School football program.
“A head coach has a responsibility to lead by example and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the student athletes, coaching staff, and the entire school community, no matter the circumstances…
“Confrontational exchanges with student athletes during a game, in front of a large crowd of families from both schools, followed by an in-game announcement of his resignation and a decision not to resume coaching responsibilities, are inconsistent with the standards we expect from those entrusted to lead our student athletes.”
Panapada met with Forker last weekend. He asked for his job back. To this point, that request has not been granted.
The head coach made a public apology this week after Stamford’s 61-8 loss to St. Joseph. He expressed regret and again begged administration to rethink its decision.
“I want to sincerely apologize to my Black Knight Football Family, the Stamford football community, future Black Knights, and my own family for my actions on Friday night Oct. 23rd. In the heat of competition, I exercised poor judgment while addressing my team at halftime and immediately questioned my ability to lead the program in that moment.
“To my players: I am sorry. You trusted me to lead you, and in the middle of a game I stepped away when you needed me most. That was wrong, and I understand why it hurt. This was my mistake, and I don’t want any of you carrying any of it. You have worked incredibly hard, and I am proud of every one of you.
“After the game, I hoped to address my players, take responsibility for my actions, and make amends. Following discussions with my Athletic Director, I believed I would have that opportunity the next morning. Instead, I was only given the chance to say goodbye.
“I recognize that I made a mistake, and I was prepared to own it, learn from it, and work to repair the damage. Unfortunately, I was told there was no viable path forward, without being given the opportunity to demonstrate that commitment. Given the program I have helped to build at Stamford High School over the past 5 years, with approximately 100 student-athletes, I believe in the power of accountability, growth, and second chances. I remain convinced that when we take responsibility for our actions, there is always an opportunity to learn, grow, and move forward.
“I’m still hopeful that I will have the opportunity to lead the Program in the near future.”
-Donny Panapada
Panapada has made it very clear that he wants his job back. Stamford refuses to let him return. The Black Knights have three games left on the schedule. We’ll see if they change their mind on Panapada or begin a coaching search.