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Long time West Haven Coach Rich Boshea stepped down on Tuesday, ahead of next week’s opening of training camp.

In a statement released by West Haven Public Schools, Boshea is stepping away from the program after 39 years with the Blue Devils as an assistant and head coach. Boshea took over West Haven as the head coach in 2015 and compiled an overall record of 65-31. He led West Haven to the 2023 and 2024 Class LL state title games.

The administration at West Haven seemed caught off guard by Boshea’s sudden resignation.

“We are shocked by Rich’s resignation. We sincerely thank him for his many years of service to the WHHS football team. We wish Rich nothing but the best in his future endeavors, both in life and career,” West Haven Superintendent Neil C. Cavallaro said in the statement.

“Richie has been an integral part of West Haven Football for 39 years. He has meant so much to this program and to so many players. We wish him the best of luck,” West Haven athletic director Joe Morrell said in the statement.

West Haven is coming off of a 10-3 season and now has a head coaching opening. The job is attractive and it will attract a lot of candidates but posting it this late in the off-season is highly unlikely. West Haven will more than likely go the interim route for this season and appoint an assistant coach to lead the program.

The Blue Devils are a preseason Top 25 program despite replacing several key starters from last season, most notably quarterback Nick Conlan.