Brien McMahon High School is turning to a favored son to try and rebuild its football program.
The Senators this morning hired A.J. Albano, a former player at the school and an assistant coach at Darien for the past six years, to replace Joe SantaLucia, who was fired at the end of last season.
“We think he’s enthusiastic and will bring a lot of life back to the program,” McMahon athletic director Joe Madaffari said. “He’s good at motivating student-athletes and he’s a graduate of McMahon.
Albano graduated from McMahon in 2000. He has been the defensive coordinator for Darien High School, which is coached by Albano’s former coach with the Senators, Rob Trifone, for the past three years.
Albano is also currently the wrestling coach at Greenwich.
“A.J. comes from a winning program so that is certainly going to help us,” Madaffari said.
McMahon was 21-30 during SantaLucia’s six years and is coming off a 3-7 season. SantaLucia had just one winning record, in 2006.
A press conference was held this afternoon and a complete story will be in tomorrow’s edition of The Advocate.
Uhhh…Boeheim was in his 20′s in the 1960′s.
I’m not sure on Calhoun’s status.
Correct Dave. It doesn’t matter how old or young the Coach is. For example, at the age of 80 something Coach Paterno is still winning at Penn State. It’s funny I was watching a classic of Jimmy Boehiem in his 20′s Coaching Syracuse back in the early 80′s against a youthful looking John Thompson Georgetown team. One coach is still going strong (Boehiem) and the other is now retired. Speaking of which do you think Calhoun will return anytime soon to the sidelines ?
I don’t disagree with you Full. I was basically saying that if a person has the experience and skills, it doesn’t matter how old the coach is. I just got off the phone a half hour ago with the person who can arguably give the best perspective on this from an age standpoint. I’m working on my column for tomorrow’s paper – on Vlad Ducasse for you local football fans – but I hope to post it later or in the next day or so.
David,
Sounds like you disagree with me ? Not sure what to make of your response. The fact is this: He is young, energetic and knows the game of football (has good tutelege there in Darien etc). If you can get a YOUNG person in any sport who’s entire livelyhood is dedicated to Coaching I think you are better off with that hire than some recycled Coaches. (Coaches that have not succeeded in other places). This will prove to be an EXCELLENT hire over time. You will see that. My PREDICTION is that this young man will do a super job in McMahon. It will take him some time. Thanks.
Full
I think age is secondary to experience and capability. I have seen young coaches excel — Bryan Fox at Trinity. I have seen young coaches try to be friends with the kids and fail. In terms of experience, A.J. has paid his dues. We will learn in the years ahead whether this was a good hire or not — as is the case with any coach in any sport.
I am not familiar with this school or team. Based on the young man’s age (26), I give the AD CREDIT for bringing in a young kid with lots of energy and a zell for a winning program. The kid will probably devote his entire day living and breathing and trying to make that program a top notch football program , etc. Kudos to the AD for going with a youthful energetic Coach who wanted that job and who will give 110% of his time without tiring etc. Good luck to the McMahon football program.
as someone who played with Albano, I can say this is a great decision. Keep the coaching with someone who already has a history with the school.
When I knew AJ during my time at McMahon, he was already a solid person with a drive to be the best. I’d imagine he still has that drive — and will be willing to do what is necessary to restore the program.
Donald: you’re an athletic director. Football is your flagship sport. Do you really think you are going to make a hire based on friendships? I don’t think so.
Dave,
If the comment is true what John said, it’s pretty sad. I hear(and see) good athletics getting cut from a sport that they are good in. Now, you have a coach getting a job(if it’s true) because of politics. I guess the politics are everywhere, from Little League, to Travel Basketball, to High School sports. When will it stop?????
what i meant to say was Madaffari happens to be best friends with AJ’s dad.
Politics at its finest. His dad happens to be best buddies with The Hour’s longtime sportswriter, George. The other people who were interviewed had MUCH more experience and are better qualified.