It had the drama of a political convention.
A group of supporters huddled in one corner, anxiously waiting the result. A lone detractor, saying the whole thing was a fix.
The candidate, in an undisclosed location, awaiting word from his people, his fate in the hands of others.
Reporters, pacing, hoping they could meet deadline before a decision was reached.
That’s how it unfolded at Derby Middle School Thursday night, where the school board, after a long executive session, unanimously approved the appointment of George French as head coach of the Derby/O’Brien Tech football team.
French learned he had the job while holed up at Connie’s on Elizabeth Street, where he calmed his nerves with a tall glass of water.
He received a call on his cell just before 11 p.m. saying the job was his.
He was humbled.
“This is my town. This is where I grew up. I’m just very proud I can take over the tradition at Derby High School,” French said.
Meet George French
French, 28, is a 1999 graduate of Derby High, where he was a running back and a defensive back for the Red Raiders.
In 2003, he graduated from Merrimack College, where he started three of his four years as linebacker.
He coached in Derby Pop Warner for three years and was a linebacker and offensive line coach at Farmington High School.
Last season he was Derby’s defensive coordinator under Carmen DiCenso, who retired this year after the Red Raiders finished 4 – 6.
Most of Derby’s games were relatively close, with the exception of blow out losses at the hands of local rivals Ansonia and Shelton.
“We’re moving things in the proper direction. I’m looking to see great things coming in the next few years,” French said.
The Drama
French was recommended for the job by a search committee formed earlier this month.
One lifelong Derby resident, Tom Lionetti — himself an ex-Derby football player, class of ’68 — questioned whether French had the experience necessary to guide the team.
Lionetti also questioned whether the majority of people on the search committee were plants put there by Derby Athletic Director Joseph Orazietti.
“My gut feeling is that this committee was a dog and pony show,” Lionetti said.
Lionetti’s comments to the school board prompted several of French’s supporters to address the board.
Among them — Coach DiCenso.
“George is a very, very knowledgeable football coach. He comes with a great football mind,” DiCenso said.
The retiring coach said French is a role model, having gone to school in Derby, then obtaining a degree, then returning to his hometown to serve the community.
Jim Benanto, whose family roots in Derby football stretch back to the early 1930s, said he was upset someone would question the integrity of the committee or the athletic director.
“As a Derby fan and supporter, I will support who the Board of Education picks,” Benanto said.
The Waiting
After the public comment period, the school board conducted its regular meeting.
The school board, along with Orazietti, Superintendent Stephen Tracy and Derby High School Principal Fran Thompson, entered into executive session at 9:30 p.m. to talk about the coaching position.
Executive sessions are closed to the public. The meetings are allowed under certain conditions, such as when towns discuss legal strategy or specific personnel issues.
Orazietti and Thompson left the executive session at 10:15 p.m. The school board remained in executive session, discussing items other than football, until 10:47 p.m.
At that point, the school board, without comment, approved French’s appointment.
Reaction
Orazietti said French’s appointment was a committee decision.
“George, we felt, was the best fit for Derby. He’s an outstanding young man,” the athletic director said.
The approval delighted French’s father, George (the fourth) who hugged several supporters. French’s mother, Anita and his brother, Rob, were also in attendance.
After the meeting, the family, along with DiCenso, greeted the new Coach French at Connie’s with hugs.
“I’m a Valley guy,” French said. “My entire career has been here. I went to high school here. I coached in the Pop Warner system here, I’m back at the high school. I’m very proud.”
