Manchester High School has appointed Shannon James as its new head football coach, a move that brings a blend of professional pedigree and local roots to the program. James, who previously played for the Baltimore Ravens and the Calgary Stampeders, also spent several years as an assistant defensive coordinator in the Manchester Pop Warner league and contributed to the staffs at Avon and East Catholic before returning to the high school ranks.
A fresh direction for the program
The team finished the last season with a 2‑8 record but will return ten starters, giving the new coaching staff continuity and familiarity. Among those returning is dual‑threat quarterback Kaden Bradford, who missed most of the previous year due to injury but is now fully healthy and ready to lead the offense.
Bradford will benefit from a talented group of receivers, including Sam Mojica, Kobe Jackson and Prince Owusu, while the defense will rely on players such as Shane Moore‑Phillips and Ayden Rodriguez. The roster’s blend of experience and youthful energy sets the stage for a competitive campaign.
The 2026 schedule presents a significant challenge, featuring five games against teams that reached the CIAC playoffs last season. Manchester will travel to Darien, Southington and Windsor in consecutive weeks, testing the squad against some of the state’s top programs.
Adding to the optimism, former New England Patriots quarterbacks coach Ashton Grant, a Manchester alumnus, has been working with the players during the summer, offering mentorship and technical guidance. Meanwhile, Roy Roberts, who once coached at Bloomfield, has returned to the sidelines to support the team’s development.
Home games will be played at Memorial Field, a historic venue that has hosted countless local matchups. With the combined expertise of James, Grant and Roberts, the program hopes to translate its renewed focus into tangible results on the field.