Paul Philpott

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Coach Paul Philpott has served as the Defensive Coordinator for Wrecker Football since 2020. Under his leadership, the Wrecker Defense set an all-time school record in 2024, allowing just 6.42 points per game. The defense also held opponents to an average of 2.9 yards per carry and forced 26 turnovers. In the 2023 season, which saw the Wreckers claim the State and FCIAC Championships, Coach Philpott's defense allowed only 11.3 points per game. In the State Semifinal, the Wreckers shut out the state’s #1 scoring offense, Southington, to advance to the Championship game. In the final, the Wreckers defense stood firm and stopped West Haven’s 2 PT attempt to win the Connecticut State Football Championship and finished the season ranked as the #1 team in the State.

Over the past four seasons, Coach Philpott's defense has been dominant, allowing just 125 passing yards per game, 33 passing touchdowns (0.71 per game), and recording 61 interceptions (1.33 per game). The 61 interceptions are the most in the State during that stretch.

Coach Philpott’s association with Wrecker Football spans decades. He was a member of the coaching staff from 1993 to 2000, including the 1997 FCIAC Championship team. His son, Rob Philpott, a 1996 graduate of Staples, is a proud member of the Staples Football Hall of Fame.

After graduating from college, Coach Philpott was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served as a Naval Aviator for 20 years, including combat service, and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Following his military career, Coach Philpott transitioned to the private sector, where he worked as an executive in the health insurance industry.

Before returning to Westport, Coach Philpott gained valuable coaching experience in Southern California at Mission Viejo High School, where he served as a Defensive Assistant, coaching linebackers. He also served as Defensive Coordinator at Daniel Hand High School. Between 2017 and 2019, the Hand Tigers compiled a 37-game winning streak (the third-longest in state history) and won two State Championships. During that stretch, Coach Philpott's defense allowed an average of fewer than 7 points per game. Over his 11 years at Hand, the program won a total of four State Championships.

In addition to his three sons and two step-sons, Coach Philpott is the proud father of Winnie, his Old English Bulldog.