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The West Haven High School athletic department has announced that Tom Unger will serve as the interim head football coach for the Blue Devils for the upcoming 2025 season. Unger, a familiar face both in the classroom and on the field, steps into the role ready to lead one of Connecticut’s storied football programs.

Superintendent Neil Cavallaro said, "Tom Unger is a long-time member of our coaching staff and a well-respected teacher at West Haven High School. He also has experience as a head coach, which is critically important given the timing of Coach Boshea’s resignation. I have no doubt that he will do an outstanding job leading our football team this year."

Tom Unger has been a math teacher at West Haven High School since 2015, where he also serves as head of strength and conditioning for all sports programs. Coach Unger has played a central role in preparing student-athletes to compete at their highest level. When asked what he is most excited about for the upcoming 2025 season, Unger said, “I’m excited to work with a group of young, hungry players who are ready to step up and build on the success of their teammates over the past two years.”

Unger brings more than two decades of football coaching experience to West Haven. He served as defensive line coach at Fairfield University in 2002, assistant coach at Guilford High School from 2003 to 2007, and head coach at Guilford High School from 2008 to 2014 before joining the West Haven coaching staff in 2015. When asked about his top priorities for the season, Unger said, “We want our players to be great students first and athletes second, by embracing discipline and committing to hard work.”

Principal Rob Bohan added, “Tom is an experienced educator and coach, and I have full confidence he will lead our student-athletes on and off the field this season.” The West Haven Athletic Department also stated, “We are excited for Coach Unger to take the helm. His

knowledge of the game and years with our program make him the right choice to guide the team and put his own mark on the season.”

When asked what he hopes people understand about his approach to leading the team, Unger said, “I can assure everyone that my staff and I will work tirelessly to prepare this team for the season ahead.”

The Blue Devils will open their 2025 season on the road against Manchester High School on September 12, marking the start of a new chapter under Unger’s leadership. With an experienced coach at the helm and a motivated group of student-athletes, the West Haven community is eager to see how the team comes together and competes this fall. The 2025 season offers a chance to develop skills, demonstrate teamwork, and showcase the dedication and determination of the Blue Devils under Coach Unger’s guidance.

Coach Unger with Athletic Directors