Adam Behrends — the inspirational head coach who took a moribund Staples High School football program to a state championship in just 5 years — is leaving Westport.
Behrends told his players earlier this afternoon that he has accepted a college assistant coaching position.
In 6 years, the Iowa native — who came to North Avenue following 9 years at IMG in Florida, where he helped launch the football program — compiled a 40-16 record. In 2023, the Wreckers captured the “LL” (extra large schools) state championship.
Adam Behrends
Athletic director VJ Sarullo says, “Even more impressive than the on-field results were the lessons and values that Coach Behrends taught to all that participated in the football program. These will stay with our student-athletes long after their time here has concluded.”
Sarullo adds, “As good a football coach as he is, he’s an even better person. I’ll miss him, but I know this is a great opportunity for him.”
A search committee will be formed, to find Behrends’ successor.
Head coach Adam Behrends (far left), with players and coaches after the 2023 state championship win.
Thank you Coach Behrends.
A loss for Staples but what a gain for whichever team he coaches for. Adam brought the Wreckers name back to its glory with such determination and gifted talent for tapping students talent and expanding their potential.
Good luck Adam!!! 🇺🇸
Good luck to Coach Behrends in his new role! Though, I do think it’s a little aggressive calling the program moribund before he stepped in. There was one 2-8 season in 2019, but that was the team’s only losing season since 1993!
Congratulations Coach and players. From 1958-1960 Staples had teams that were not that great BUT… we had tons of school spirit great coaching and we left it all on the field! Thanks Paul, Frank and Mike
I hope Staples doesn’t lose more good coaches.
One of the best coaches in Staples history, wish him well. It is tough to lose the great ones. While this is an amazing opportunity, this town needs to get behind high school athletics and make sure the programs stay strong. We are sending our boys and girls to some of the best universities around the nation. We need to keep that strong. Why do other FCIAC towns have athletic associations and we do not. We need a 5-10 year state of the art vision. Academics, athletics and arts are a 3 legged stool. Need all 3 to stay the best.