In the fall of 2025, Dan Fulton will begin his legacy as head football coach at West Essex. After spending 10 years at Hanover Park, Fulton is now transitioning to coach the Knights. Fulton has an extensive background in football and athletics. He played football during his high school years at Parsippany Hills and later played Division III football at Montclair State University.
Fulton comes from a long line of family members who have coached football. His grandfather, a football and wrestling coach, heavily inspired him to pursue a career in education and athletics.
“He was just a big role model for me, now, as a father, a coach and a teacher,” Fulton said. “He was a great man that I looked up to.”
Leaving Hanover Park was a tough decision for Fulton, but one that he is confident in. Having West Essex as a previous opponent, Fulton is excited to be a part of such a memorable program.
“I grew up playing against West Essex,” Fulton said. “I’ve coached against West Essex, and it’s very clear that it’s a special place.”
Going into his first year at West Essex, Fulton looks to retain the positive energy left for him while also creating his own legacy. He is an enthusiastic, loud and tough-loving coach who will tell his team what they have to do better in an approachable way. Fulton looks to ensure that his players are ready for every Friday night while also preparing them for the realities and hardships of the real world.
Preparation is the key to Fulton’s successful game plan. Watching film, listening to coaches’ advice on the field and being active in the weight room are all key components in the path toward greatness. In his first year as head coach, Fulton looks to establish a new fast style of play and tempo through hard work and training.
“One of our mottos is to play fast, physical and free. And the best way to do that is to know what you’re doing,” Fulton said.
For years, West Essex was led by Coach Benacquista, a leader who brought many championships and much success to the program. Fulton understands the amazing foundation Benacquista has set for him while also looking to bring his own knowledge of the game to his team. He also recognizes the high expectations that come with coaching at West Essex and is ready to work for everything they accomplish.
“Your family, in every sport, in every class, they want you to be winners, and that’s the expectation for everything you do here,” Fulton said. “I expect that same winning mentality from my coaches, and I expect that from the players. We are owed nothing. We deserve nothing. We have to come and work every single day.”
Fulton’s ultimate goal is to produce fine young men and get them ready for what’s ahead. He wants them to use football as a vessel for opportunities in life that their grades may not be able to provide. After all is said and done, Fulton wants to be known as a winner who helped bring many more championships and titles to the West Essex football program and community.
