Mike Pucko named head football coach at Fitchburg

Posted By on March 22, 2026

Courtesy of Fitchburg Public Schools

The Fitchburg High School football program is turning to a veteran presence and a familiar name in Central Massachusetts to lead the Red Raiders back to prominence.

Mike Pucko, a multi-time state champion coach with deep ties to the region, has been named the new head football coach at Fitchburg High. The move represents a homecoming of sorts for Pucko, who is a member of the Fitchburg High School Hall of Fame and now returns to the sidelines where he was once honored for his athletic contributions.

Pucko brings an extensive and decorated resume to Crocker Field, most recently serving as the defensive line coach at the collegiate level with Holy Cross. During two separate stints with the Crusaders, Pucko contributed to three Patriot League championships and multiple NCAA FCS playoff berths.

His experience at the college level also includes a successful tenure at Assumption University, where he helped the Greyhounds secure two NCAA playoff appearances during his time on the defensive staff.

While his recent work has been in the college ranks, Pucko is best known in the Massachusetts high school community for his dominant run at Holy Name Central Catholic. From 2005 to 2015, he transformed the “Naps” into a perennial powerhouse, amassing an 89-42 record and capturing three MIAA Super Bowl titles, including back-to-back Division 2 championships in 2005 and 2006.

Prior to his success at Holy Name, Pucko laid the foundation for his coaching legacy at West Boylston, where he served as both a defensive coordinator and head coach.

The hiring comes at a critical juncture for the Fitchburg program, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. The Red Raiders have endured four consecutive losing seasons, totaling just eight wins between 2022 and 2025. By bringing in a coach known for disciplined defensive units and a track record of rebuilding programs, the Fitchburg administration is signaling a commitment to restoring the competitive standard of one of the state’s most historic football programs.