Waterford High School has hired Pat Dougherty as the program’s new head football coach. Dougherty comes to Waterford from Berlin High School where he coached under John Capodice. The Redcoats won the Class M state title this past season.

Dougherty is replacing Zeth Nolda who resigned after four years as the head coach and nine years with the program. Waterford finished 6-5 last season, making the CIAC playoffs before losing 43-19 to Daniel Hand in the opening round.

Dougherty acoached at Wesleyan University prior to his time at Berlin so he has been on both sides of the table when it comes to dealing with high school athletes. That experience will come in handy as he embarks on his first opportunity as a head coach. An opportunity Dougherty says he always wanted.

“I wanted to take this next step in my career and continue to grow as a coach. This is a great opportunity to lead a dedicated group of people and apply what I have learned about football, strength & conditioning, and leading a team. Waterford is a great fit for me. The more I learn about the schools, athletics, and leadership, the more I want to be here. Everyone is aligned on what it is going to take to set our student-athletes up for success and have the best experience possible. I cannot wait to do my part.”

The Waterford Football program has been competitive the past two seasons, going 9-3 in 2024. Despite that, Dougherty knows that if the program is going to take the next step and win a state title, it will take more than talent. It will take a commitment to winning.

“Our team is going to need much more than talent to win. We need to build great practice habits and maintain a really high standard for how we work each week. Anytime we are working on football, it is going to feel like 4th and 1. Not much else matters until we establish that. Focus, poise, and connection between teammates will be critical to our success. I want to be the best developmental program in Connecticut, maximizing our players’ capabilities in speed, strength, change of direction, and other skills that contribute to winning.”

Winning on the field is one thing, Dougherty says he wants his players to be successful off the field and to grow into good people who use the lessons learned in football, throughout their lives.

“Most importantly, I want them to be good people after high school. Football taught me how to approach important parts of life and I want my players to have that same experience.”

Dougherty added: “I plan on empowering great assistant coaches, preparing our players the best we can, and leading them in a way that will positively impact their lives long after they graduate. I believe the players and their families will appreciate my approach. I have a clear vision and a passion for helping young people be their best.”

As for his year one goals, Dougherty is keeping things in perspective. He wants to use this upcoming season to set a standard that will be the foundation of the program moving forward.

“My goal is to have the best offseason possible and get everyone prepared to perform at their best in week one. I want our film to reflect what we emphasize in practice. I want us to be unwavering competitors who play to the same standard no matter the circumstances. Everywhere I have coached, my position group has practiced hard and set a high standard for commitment to winning. That will be my priority getting started.”

Waterford brings back several talented underclassman including athlete Aidan Giles. They open the Alliance Portion of their schedule Week 2 at New Fairfield.