Big New England Football Clinic to honor 6 – including Jason Briggs, West Warwick High School

Big New England Football Clinic to honor six New Englanders with High School Assistant Coach of Distinction Awards

John Cardullo, sports writer

Six individuals will be honored with High School Assistant Coach of Distinction Awards at the 51st annual Big New England Football Clinic, March 7 at the Newport Marriott Hotel in Newport, R.I.

Recognizing the critical role coaches play in the development of young players, the BNEFC has been honoring one outstanding football coach from each of the six New England states at its annual clinic since 2020. This year’s awards are being presented to high school assistant coaches, as great head coaches will tell you that a loyal and dedicated assistant coach is an invaluable asset to a football team’s success, providing vital support through player development, game planning, training sessions and so much more. Through an online nomination process, the BNEFC encouraged the football community to identify worthy candidates in their high school programs “who serve as role models, who teach the game with dignity and sportsmanship, and who ultimately leave an indelible mark on the lives of the players he or she mentors.”

Rhode Island Winner:

2025 BNEFC High School Assistant Coach of Distinction Award: Jason Briggs, West Warwick High School

A dedicated coach since his own playing days at West Warwick High School, where the linebacker helped lead the Wizards to two Division II Super Bowl appearances in 2000 and 2001, Jason Brigg’s coaching career began right after graduation, as he returned as a volunteer coach in the fall of 2002 and helped West Warwick capture the Division II Championship. His coaching journey has also included short stints at Dean Junior College and East Providence High School. But he has spent the majority of the past two-plus decades coaching at his alma mater, helping to guide West Warwick to two more Super Bowl appearances, the Division III title game in 2023 and the Division II Super Bowl last fall. Over these last four years, Briggs has had the pleasure of coaching his oldest son, Christian, a co-captain and All-Division defensive end for the Wizards.

“Whether it be coaching football, basketball or baseball his dedication to the youth of West Warwick is unmatched,” coach Mark Janton wrote in his nomination of Briggs. “As a football coach, Jay is always prepared through film study and practice planning. His position group always knows what to expect. His passion and energy spills over to the players and coaches around him, which makes the daily grind of practice fun.”

 The full list of 2025 winners, as selected by the BNEFC Awards Committee:

· Connecticut – Dean Krupa, Middletown High School

· Maine – TJ Grassi, Poland Regional High School

· Massachusetts – Chris Butler, Belmont Hill School

· New Hampshire – Josh Kershaw, John Stark Regional High School

· Rhode Island – Jason Briggs, West Warwick High School

· Vermont – Vince Redding, Bellows Free Academy Fairfax

The six New England coaches will receive their awards at the 51st Big New England Football Clinic, during the opening comments segment of the two-day clinic at approximately 4:15 p.m. on March 7 at the Newport Marriott in Newport, R.I. 

The winning coaches have also each received a complimentary registration to the Big New England Football Clinic. Presented by Perform Better, the BNEFC will feature 50-plus hours of lectures and live demonstrations, March 7 and 8 at the Newport Marriott. The outstanding lineup of clinicians will include coaches at all levels of play from across the country, including Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen, Boston College Head Coach (and former Patriots Offensive Coordinator) Bill O’Brien, James Madison University head coach Bob Chesney and many others.

To view the complete 2025 BNEFC schedule and to register for the clinic, visit: bignewenglandfootballclinic.com.

More about the winners:

Connecticut Winner, 2025 BNEFC High School Assistant Coach of Distinction Award: Dean Krupa, Middletown High School

For the past 10 seasons, Dean Krupa has been an invaluable assistant coach at Middletown High School, leaving a lasting impact both on the football field and in the lives of his players. A lifelong   Middletown resident, graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, and US Navy veteran, Coach Krupa’s wealth of experience extends beyond coaching, having spent 30 years as an international pilot with  United Airlines. 

     Throughout his tenure at Middletown High, Coach Krupa has excelled as the Blue Dragons’ D-Line coach while also taking on leadership of two essential elements of the football program: Middletown’s Academic Tracking system and Character Development system. Coordinating with the high school to get weekly PowerSchool updates of all the players, Coach Krupa has organized weekly check-in meetings between each coach on the staff and small groups of players to help keep their grades on track. The Academic Tracking system he has implemented has resulted in a remarkable improvement in the team’s GPA by 10-15 points. 

Coach Krupa also coordinates Middletown’s “Coaching to Change Lives” Character Development program, leading weekly lessons on vital life skills such as persistence, humility and determination, helping shape well-rounded young men. 

Beyond football, he is dedicated to the personal success of each player, offering mentorship that extends well after graduation. 

“I cannot explain in words the effect Coach Krupa has had on every player and coach in our program,” fellow Middletown coach Kelly Ellis wrote in his nomination of Krupa. “His wisdom and willingness to advise is an invaluable trait.”

Maine Winner, 2025 BNEFC High School Assistant Coach of Distinction Award: TJ Grassi, Poland Regional High School

TJ Grassi joined the Poland Regional High School coaching staff for the 2024 season, bringing more than 10 years of coaching experience to the program. He quickly became an invaluable asset to the team as the Knights’ JV head coach and varsity assistant running backs and linebackers coach. Coach Grassi works with Poland’s scout teams, motivates players with positive reinforcement and helps on game days by identifying the LB play of the defense and watching the Knights LB’s gap integrity. On game days, he also helps calm players’ nerves and provides invaluable assistance with equipment setup. 

The greatest impact Coach Grassi has made is in his relationship-building with players, creating an open environment and getting everyone to buy in to a team-first mentality. 

Coach Grassi further supports the football program by stepping up to coach the JV basketball team, which consists almost entirely of football players.

“He is always making himself available for youth clinics and summer programming, as well as showing up to middle school and youth games showing the presence of the varsity program at these events,” Poland head coach Seth Johnson wrote in his nomination of Grassi. “Coach Grassi adheres to our 5 core values and teaches directly to them. TJ’s time and value to the    program is  immense and he could not be replaced if he ever chose to leave.” 

Massachusetts Winner, 2025 BNEFC High School Assistant Coach of Distinction Award: Chris Butler, Belmont Hill School

As a member of the coaching staff for the past 25 seasons, Chris Butler has played an instrumental role in the success of the Belmont Hill School football program. Most recently, thanks to his efforts, Belmont Hill’s defense led the ISL in points against, allowing only 121 points—55 fewer than the next best defense. This defensive dominance contributed to the Sextants’ ISL Championship in 2023 and their NEPSAC Championship in 2024, a remarkable turnaround from previous seasons. 

“When I arrived at Belmont Hill in May 2023, with little high school coaching experience, Chris dedicated countless hours to helping me adjust to my new role,” Belmont Hill head coach Anthony Fucillo wrote in his nomination of Butler. “He not only guided me through the structure of high school football, particularly in the ISL, but also helped transition our defense to a new scheme. 

“What sets Chris apart is his unselfishness and dedication to the students,” Fucillo continued. “Despite stepping down from head coach to focus on his family, Chris continues to put the boys’ interests first. He is an incredible mentor, coach, and role model, and I am proud to nominate him for this honor.”

New Hampshire Winner, 2025 BNEFC High School Assistant Coach of Distinction Award: Josh Kershaw, John Stark Regional High School

Josh Kershaw’s passion for football has been evident throughout his career, from playing at every level to his successful semi-pro experience. Now, as an assistant on the John Stark Regional High School coaching staff, he brings that same dedication and love for the game to every practice and game he’s a part of. 

As the Generals’ Offensive Line coach, Coach Kershaw demonstrates an ability to teach the fundamentals and instill a work ethic that emphasizes the value of hard work. Josh has earned the respect of not only his linemen but also their parents, fellow coaches, athletic directors, and even local reporters. His impact goes far beyond the field, shaping young athletes into disciplined, hardworking individuals. 

“His passion and love for the game shines through when he is coaching on and off the field,” said Raymond Kershaw, who has had a front row seat for Josh’s career, not only as the Generals’ head coach, but also as his father. “There are no words that would describe watching him pay forward 24 years of playing the game. Although coaching with him for a decade has been the real deal and everyone should be so lucky to share this experience, I look forward to seeing him come full circle flying solo.”

Vermont Winner, 2025 BNEFC High School Assistant Coach of Distinction Award: Vince Redding, Bellows Free Academy Fairfax

A cornerstone of the Bellows Free Academy Fairfax football program since its inception, Vince Redding has dedicated 18 years as the Defensive Coordinator at Fairfax and is also the assistant head coach, helping to build a foundation of excellence. 

He has served as the defensive coordinator twice for the Vermont/New Hampshire Shrine game and one time for the Vermont North/South game.

 He played a pivotal role in establishing the youth football program in the Fairfax area, as well as the Varsity program at Fairfax, ensuring the growth of the sport at all levels.

 Football has been a family affair for Coach Redding, as his two sons played for BFA Fairfax and his daughters have served as team managers.

“He loves this game and the life lessons it teaches the kids,” Daniel Hermansson wrote in his nomination of Redding. “He treats everyone with respect but pushes them to their potential.”