John Limone, who served as Branford’s defensive coordinator the past four seasons, has been elevated to head coach, Limone confirmed Friday.

The hire still needs to be approved by the Branford board of education.

“It’s a big deal,” Limone said. “I played at Branford, and I’ve been an assistant there the past eight seasons, so it’s pretty important to me. I’m looking forward to it.”

Limone, 29, served in several capacities while an assistant with the Hornets.

“I had a chance to learn the game,” Limone said. “I think it also helped build respect, that I was a guy that was willing to do the work.”

Limone takes over for Mike Tracy, who stepped down after four seasons with the program.
Branford athletic director Savas Synodi said he received about a dozen applications.

“We didn’t know where this was going to end up,” Synodi said. “We went through the process, we had a search committee, and John emerged as our choice. He’s gone through the steps as an individual and as a coach. We think he’s ready for this.”

Branford went 5-5 last season. The Hornets haven’t reached the postseason since winning the Class MM title in 2005.

“I hope to prepare them for contests on Friday night, and also prepare them for life after high school,” Limone said. “We’re big on character building, but we’re also hoping to create a winning tradition.”

Mike Tracy informed his players Friday that he is stepping down as football coach at Branford after four season.
Tracy took over in 2009 and compiled an 18-22 record. He’s been with the program in some capacity for 15 years.
Tracy, a physical education teacher at the school, gave three reasons for stepping down: his children, ages nine, six and four.
“I love coaching,” Tracy said. “But at the same time I want to be there for my kids when they’re growing up.”
Tracy will continue to oversee the program’s weight lifting activities until a new coach is officially hired.
“I’m not done coaching forever,” Tracy said. “I want to get back into coaching at some point.”to coaching at some point."


 Tracy is one of several state coaches who have stepped down since the end of the season.

OPEN SEATS

SCHOOL FORMER COACH

Abbott Tech (Chris Mascolo)
Avon (Brett Quinion)
Bacon Academy (Brian Enrique, has to re-apply for position)
Branford  (Mike Tracy)
Bridgeport Central (Dave Cadelina)
Bunnell (Craig Bruno)
Ellington/Somers (Keith Tautkus)
Fairfield Ludlowe (Matt McCloskey)
Fitch (Mike Emery)
Lewis Mills (Greg Todd)
Maloney (Bob Zito)
Masuk (John Murphy)
New Milford (Chuck Lynch)
Old Saybrook/Westbrook (Rudy Bagos)
Rockville (Rob Scholtz)
Stamford (Bryan Hocter)
St. Bernard/Norwich Tech (Scott Cook)
Torrington (Dan Dunaj)
Trinity Catholic (Peter Stokes)
Wilby (Gino Capuano, interim)
Woodstock Academy (Jesse Pimental)

NEW HIRES

East Lyme (Rudy Bagos) 
Naugatuck (Craig Bruno)