NFA will have new football coach in 2024 after Larka's exit
Norwich Free Academy has opened a search for a new football coach following the resignation of Erik Larka, who led the program for the previous two seasons.
“We are grateful for Coach Larka’s time with our program,” athletic director Roy Wentworth said in a statement. “However, with every change comes an opportunity, and I am looking forward to finding the next leader of our program.”
Larka replaced Jason Bakoulis as the Wildcats head football coach following a 4-6 campaign in 2021. The Wildcats went 4-6 and 3-7 during Larka’s two seasons. Larka's final game was a 35-13 loss at New London on Thanksgiving Day.
"I just want to thank the NFA community for giving me the opportunity to coach there," Larka said. "I want to thank the kids. I think I learned more from them than they learned from me. I'll definitely take all the experiences I learned over the past two seasons, and it will make me a better coach in the long run."
Larka had previous coaching stints at Bacon Academy (Colchester) and Law (Milford). In 2015, Larka guided the Bobcats to an ECC Large Division title and a trip to the Class M playoffs. He left Bacon to coach at his alma mater, where he led Law to the school’s first state playoff appearance in 2017.
Larka also spent time as a volunteer assistant coach at Western Connecticut State University.
Wentworth has formed a hiring committee, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply online at nfaschool.org/employment.
More: Turnovers doom Norwich Free Academy in Homecoming Day loss
“Leading the football program at Norwich Free Academy is an incredible opportunity for the right coach,” Wentworth said. “The right person can build a program focused not just on success on the field, but also in the classroom and the community. Friday nights on our Turf Field are special. Our team is supported by hundreds of fans, and our award-winning band, dance team, cheerleaders and student body provide an atmosphere unlike others, and we know the right coach will only enhance that entire experience.”
Larka hopes to continue his coaching career.
"I still have the passion to coach," Larka said. "There's only a select few schools that I think I would go to coach again and if those don't come up maybe I'll be an assistant for a year or two or take a year off. I'm definitely not hanging it up. I'll be back on the sidelines eventually."
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Norwich Free Academy football coach Erik Larka resigns
