Tom Marcucci is returning as head football coach at Notre Dame-West Haven, 11 years after stepping down the first time around.Marcucci complied a 118-52-6 record as coach from 1982-1998. He led the Green Knights to four state championship games. The 1991 edition went 11-0-1 and won the Class L title with a 20-0 victory over Newington.

"The tradition of the program is important to me," said Marcucci, who was an assistant coach from 1970-81. "There have been some great kids that played here over the years. This isn’t anything about me, this about them (the kids), and the program. I am starting out at 0-0."

Marcucci, 60, replaces John DeCaprio, who resigned following last season. DeCaprio replaced Marcucci, who served as his defensive coordinator from 2000-06 before becoming the school’s athletic director.

"The reason I got out the first time was I became an assistant principal. At that time, it was suggested to me I could not do both jobs," said Marcucci, who will remain as athletic director. "I definitely was not burned out (in 1998). I always wanted to come back."

Marcucci said he fielded a lot of calls about the job, but it was never opened up to anyone outside of the school. Marcucci said he spoke to the assistant coaches on the staff before deciding to take it.

"I didn’t want to open it up if I thought I would take it," Marcucci said.