In an unprecedented move, Stamford High’s football head coach walked out of the locker room at halftime and handed in his resignation.
Key points
- Donny Panapada resigned at halftime, an extremely rare occurrence in high‑school football.
- His five‑year stint featured early playoff success but was marred by injuries and a steep decline in wins.
- Stamford enters the final four games of the season with an interim coaching situation and a 3‑3 record.
Stamford (CT) head coach Donny Panapada told his players and athletic director Chris Passamano at halftime of Friday’s 42‑14 loss to Fairfield Warde that he was stepping down, according to CT Insider and reported by FootballScoop.com.
Panapada did not return for the second half, though the report notes he remained on the sidelines at the opponent’s field for the remainder of the game. He later met with school officials and the team, and the resignation was confirmed as irrevocable.
Halftime resignation amid a heavy defeat
Panapada was hired in March 2022 to replace Jamar Greene, who left after nine seasons to become Stamford’s dean of students. Prior to Stamford, Panapada spent six seasons as head coach at his alma mater Trinity Catholic, earning FCIAC Coach of the Year honors and three city championships, and sending 23 players to college football.
His early tenure at Stamford showed promise: the Black Knights posted a 7‑4 record in 2023 and reached the CIAC Class LL playoffs for the first time since 1995. Injuries derailed the 2024 season, and the program managed only two wins across 2024 and 2025, with a solitary 17‑14 victory over Westhill on Thanksgiving 2025.
Panapada’s coaching background and prior success
The 2026 campaign began more optimistically, but after the loss to Fairfield Warde the team sits at 3‑3, leaving Panapada with a 16‑31 record over five seasons. The Knights still have four games left – hosting St. Joseph on Oct. 31, traveling to Brien McMahon on Nov. 6, hosting Darien on Nov. 13, and closing at Westhill on Thanksgiving, Nov. 26.
The abrupt resignation underscores the pressure high‑school coaches face when wins dry up, and it leaves Stamford’s football program searching for stability as the season draws to a close.
Reader questions
Why did Coach Panapada resign during the game?
The source does not disclose specific reasons; it notes that two years of limited wins can create pressure that may surface at critical moments.
What is Stamford’s current football record?
Stamford is 3‑3 for the 2026 season and 16‑31 overall during Panapada’s five‑year tenure.
Who will coach the remaining games?
The article does not specify who will assume coaching duties after Panapada’s resignation.
Source: footballscoop.com