Fitch (CT) promotes Jordan Panucci to head football coach

According to an announcement by the Fitch Senior (Conn.) football team on Thursday, they have decided on who will be the next lead man to replace longtime head coach Mike Ellis.

Fitch announced that they will be promoting defensive coordinator Jordan Panucci to the position of head football coach for the Falcons. The Falcons had recently announced that Ellis was retiring from coaching and finished with an overall record of 66-37 record over the span of 11 seasons.

“Coach Panucci brings 18 years of football coaching experience, all at Fitch High School, to his new role as head coach,” Fitch’s football team announced on social media. “He previously served as Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach under Coach Mike Ellis, playing a key role in the program’s sustained success and helping establish Fitch as one of the top programs in the ECC.”

“Throughout his tenure, Coach Panucci’s defenses consistently ranked among the best in the state. Most notably, during the 2018 season, the Falcons posted one of the top run defenses in Connecticut history, allowing just 43.6 rushing yards per game, ranking 6th all-time in the state. His defensive success extended well beyond stopping the run. During the 2025 season, despite Fitch operating a run-first triple option offense, Panucci’s defense held opponents to fewer passing yards than the Falcons themselves threw for, a testament to the discipline, preparation, and structure of his units.”

Ellis led the Falcons to four Eastern Connecticut Conference (ECC) and three postseason appearances, including a 10-1 campaign in 2017.

Fitch Senior finished as the state’s No. 61st ranked team, according to the final Connecticut 2025 High School Football Massey Rankings.

More about Fitch Senior High School

Robert E. Fitch Senior High School, established in 1928, is the sole high school in the Groton Public Schools district. Serving grades 9–12, FHS offers a diverse curriculum including Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and UConn Early College Experience (ECE) courses. The school emphasizes academic rigor and a supportive environment, preparing students for post-secondary success. FHS is also known for its vibrant athletics and arts programs, fostering well-rounded development.

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