7 APRIL 2025 - The West Essex Regional School District is happy to announce the appointment of Dan Fulton as the next Head Football Coach of the West Essex Football Knights. The decision was approved by the West Essex Board of Education at their public meeting on April 7th.
Fulton comes to West Essex from Hanover Park High School where he spent the last 7 years as Head Coach. During his impressive tenure, the Hornets won 2 conference championships, as well as state sectionals last year. Additionally, Fulton was named Division Coach of the Year for 2024. Prior to his time at Hanover, he served as an assistant coach at Whippany Park, Parsippany Hills, and Lock Haven University.
When asked why he wanted to join the West Essex family, Fulton said that his connection to Knights goes way back. “I grew up playing against West Essex in the old Iron Hills conference,” he explained. “As an outsider, I can say that West Essex is widely thought of in high regard. The fans are passionate, the facilities are top-notch and the products that the coaches consistently put out on the field are tough to beat.”
Fulton went on to say that West Essex feels like a special place. “From the second I walked onto campus, I knew that West Essex was a place that I could be at for a long time. The administration, faculty, and communities have been incredibly supportive and welcoming.” Leaving Hanover was a “tough decision” according to Fulton, one that he could only make if it meant leaving for “somewhere like West Essex.”
As for his goals for the program, Fulton defined them in one simple word: win. “I expect my boys to win on the field, in the classroom, and in everything else that they do. This is not a community that accepts mediocrity in any form.” Further, he went on to offer praise to outgoing Coach Benacquista and his staff. “Coach Benny and his staff have left me in a great place. I am blessed to take over a healthy program steeped in pride, tradition, and culture.”
As Fulton takes the helm and begins preparations for the Fall 2025 season, he recognizes the challenges in front of him and hopes to quickly gain the trust of the West Essex community. “Change is neither good nor bad inherently,” he explained, acknowledging the concerns the players and parents may have over this next chapter in WEFB history. “The administration made it clear that they were looking for a coach that can be here for a long time, someone who will fit with the communities, someone who will do right for the student population, and someone that will preserve all of the amazing things that make West Essex so special.”
Fulton highlighted his promise to the community: “I will treat my players like they are my sons, [and] I will do everything in my power to make sure that these boys have the best experience possible.”
Athletic Director Tim Walsh described the interview process as thorough and rigorous. Walsh explained that before candidates were brought in for review, a survey was sent to current student athletes and their families asking what they believed to be the most important qualities for the next head coach to possess. After the results were collected, the interview process began. Walsh stated that despite there being a large number of qualified candidates, Dan Fulton was the perfect choice for the role, emphasizing his experience and track record of success. Excited for the future of the Knights program, he stated: “He’s passionate and knowledgeable and will introduce a new approach on the field, while keeping many of the West Essex traditions we all know and love.” Walsh is confident in Fulton’s leadership, both for the team and the entire WE Community, as they move into a new era. "While we're losing a great coach, we are very excited to welcome someone just as decorated and qualified in Coach Fulton.”
Superintendent Macioci also expressed his eagerness in welcoming Coach Fulton to the West Essex family. “We are thrilled to welcome Coach Fulton as the new head football coach at West Essex High School. Coach Fulton brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success at the high school level. His leadership, commitment to student-athletes, and passion for the game make him a great fit for our school district and athletic program. We are excited about the future of West Essex football under his guidance and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our students, both on and off the field.”
Macioci also offered words of gratitude to outgoing Coach Benacquista, stating: “We also want to express our sincere gratitude to Coach Benacquista for his years of dedication and service to our football program. His contributions have had a lasting impact on our student... Click here to read full article
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