Connecticut Football Community Mourns Beloved Coach Jude Kelly

Kelly spent over 40 years developing players and teams across the state before retiring in 2019.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Connecticut football community is remembering the legacy of beloved coach Jude Kelly, who passed away over the weekend. Kelly spent over four decades coaching at high schools and universities across the state, developing players and building strong teams and cultures. His former athletes described him as a true leader and role model who treated everyone fairly and kindly.

Why it matters

Kelly was a fixture in the Connecticut football community for over 40 years, positively impacting countless players and coaches. His passing is a significant loss for the state's high school and college football programs, which relied on his expertise and mentorship.

The details

Kelly's coaching career spanned from East Catholic High School in Manchester to Southington High School, St. Paul in Bristol, and Southern Connecticut State University. Even after retiring in 2019, he came out of retirement to lead the Weaver High School football team in Hartford. His former players and colleagues praised his leadership abilities, saying he was able to connect with people and influence them through his words and actions.

  • Jude Kelly passed away over the weekend.
  • Kelly retired from coaching in 2019 but later came out of retirement to lead the Weaver High School football team.
  • Kelly coached football for over 40 years at various high schools and universities across Connecticut.

The players

Jude Kelly

A beloved football coach who spent over 40 years developing players and teams across Connecticut before retiring in 2019, only to later come out of retirement to lead the Weaver High School football team.

Jon Wholley

The head coach at Avon Old Farms, who played for Kelly at Southington High School from 1997 to 2000.

Matt Proffitt

A former athlete who also had the chance to coach alongside Kelly in 2004.

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What they’re saying

“He was the type of person that was a true leader that was able to connect a lot of people and influence them with his words and his actions.”

— Jon Wholley, Head Coach, Avon Old Farms (WTNH)

“The wins, though impressive, are just really a small part of what we will all remember Jude for. He has been able to win and create teams, bonds and cultures that stand the test of time and win no matter the circumstances.”

— Matt Proffitt, Former Athlete and Coach (WTNH)

The takeaway

Jude Kelly's passing is a significant loss for the Connecticut football community, which relied on his decades of expertise, leadership, and mentorship. His former players and colleagues remember him as a true role model who positively impacted countless lives through his coaching and commitment to the sport.