Image courtesy of the Westport Journal

Adam Behrends has stepped down from his position as head football coach at Staples High School in Westport, Connecticut.

Behrends is leaving the program to take an offensive analyst position working with quarterbacks and receivers at the University of New Mexico.

It is a reunion for Behrends who will join new Lobos offensive coordinator Luke Schleusner at New Mexico.

Behrends was a safety at Minnesota State University, Mankato, when Schleusner served as special teams coordinator.

Behrends was hired at Staples in 2019 and complied a record of 40-16 which includes a 38-8 mark since 2021. He led the Wreckers to a 12-1 season and a Class LL state title in 2023.

Behrends was an assistant at IMG Academy when Staples hired him to replace Phil Treglia. Behrends was the quarterback coach at IMG and had a strong track of developing quarterbacks like he did Caleb Smith who was the player of the year in Connecticut in 2023.

Behrends reiterated on Monday what he said about Staples when he took the job. It was the combination of the athletics and academics that attracted him to the school. 

Athletic director VJ Sarullo told the 06880 that Behrends brought a lot of great qualities to the program and that he will miss working with him. 

“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 replace. Staples is an attractive job so expect several strong candidates from surrounding communities to apply.