David Brennan

A number of players and parents within the Masuk's football program appear to be in rebellion against new head coach, David Brennan.

Concerned about widespread changes, ineptitude in scrimmages and feelings of despair over the state of the program, multiple sources have described incidents of players skipping practices and requesting private meetings with school athletic director John DeGennaro and principal Joseph Kobza.

On Thursday night, team parents and players are scheduled to meet with Brennan, Kobza and DeGennaro to address their grievances. Monroe Public Schools superintendent James Agostine and Monroe Board of Education chairman Darrell Trump have also been invited to attend.

To at least one football parent, the solution is simple:

"We want him out," David DeGirolamo said of Brennan. "He's just been God-awful. He has no organizational skills and is way over his head."

Brennan, a Monroe public schools teacher, was hired from Ridgefield to replace John Murphy. Murphy resigned in December after winning three state championships and nearly 200 games in 15 years.

But just two weeks into the preseason, detractors -- most of whom declined to use their names on the record -- have described underwhelming performances at scrimmages and unwelcome changes Brennan has made within the program.

Earlier this week, eight of the team's seniors skipped a practice to speak with DeGennaro and Kobza, according to DeGirolamo and several sources.

On Sunday, approximately 20 players skipped another practice. Assistant coach Justin Scarpatti quit on Saturday, but returned after a few days.

On Wednesday night, detractors say the team didn't perform well vs. Holy Cross and Shelton in a three-way scrimmage, which has only added to the internal strife. "We probably got three first downs the whole night," DeGirolamo said.

With Masuk's anticipated Week 1 game vs. former coach Murphy and New Milford two weeks away, DeGirolamo said he and other parents are praying the administration makes a change.

"It's a mess," DeGirolamo said. "A monster mess."

DeGennaro and Kobza were not immediately available for comment. Neither returned separate phone messages as of early Thursday afternoon.

Brennan also did not return a phone message seeking comment Thursday afternoon.

"I loved Murphy, but he's gone," DeGirolamo said. "We knew going in our numbers would be down. But we only have 40 kids on varsity now. I don't even know if we're going to field a (junior varsity) team. Does it have to be this far away (from the past)? The kids don't look at any game film, they're not prepared, they've lost all respect for (Brennan)."

"My kid's not a quitter, but if he came to me tomorrow and said, 'Dad, I'm not playing,' I'd be fine with it. A lot of parents feel the same way," he said. "I don't know what's going to happen (at the meeting). We just want to keep up the tradition of Masuk football. That's all we're looking for."

UPDATE: The Masuk administration reaffirmed its commitment to Brennan at the meeting and promised to address issues, according to a source.

A call to athletic director John DeGennaro for confirmation not returned Thursday night.

EDITED: Murphy was approved by the school's board of ed. 


John Murphy, who stepped down at Masuk after winning three state titles in 15 years, is expected to be hired at New Milford, the CT POST reports.

From the POST:

It's not official yet. Murphy's hire is pending approval by the New Milford Board of Education.

The board is scheduled to meet Wednesday, said New Milford athletic director Lance Pliego, who had no comment on the possible hiring of Murphy.

On the board's agenda is a proposal to hire Murphy as the school's football coach effective Thursday.

Murphy, 45, who lives in Stratford, would also take over as the school's girls lacrosse coach, a position he held at Masuk.

Murphy, who declined comment, compiled a 158-33-1 record at Masuk, replaces Chuck Lynch, who resigned after nine seasons.

Masuk's John Murphy and Trinity Catholic's Pete Stokes stepped down as head coach from their respective schools on Tuesday.


Murphy was coach for 15 years, winning 159 games, six SWC championships and three state championships.

Read more on Murphy from the CT POST



Stokes led the Crusaders to an 8-3 record and a berth in the Class S quarterfinals this season.


Read more on Stokes from the STAMFORD ADVOCATE

Masuk's John Murphy, the Team CT coach for the 13th Governors Cup (June 25, 4:30 p.m. at Southington High) was impressed with several New Haven area standouts on the roster.

Murphy on Ansonia RB Montrell Dobbs, the 2010 Register State and Area MVP:

"I saw him play a bunch of times and the kid's quite the talent. He really showed himself at the combine (held March 27 at the New Haven Athletic Center). You could just see his motor. The things he did on the field, sometimes kids don't bring that to the combine but he did. He had a great attitude about being there and working out and all that. It was exciting."

Murphy on Woodland safety Jack DeBiase

"I've got to see him for the last few years. He's been in our passing league in the summer. We knew what kind of talented kid he was. He has great cover skills. His coverage skills were excellent that day."

Click here to see a video clip of Masuk's John Murphy, the Team CT coach, speak during Thursday's press conference for the 13th Governors' Cup football game.