New London — New London High School has turned to one of its own to lead the football program.

Juan Roman, a 1984 graduate and a long-time assistant, was named head coach on Monday. He replaces Duane Maranda, who resigned in December after leading the Whalers to two state playoff berths in his four seasons.

"Being a Whaler, I know of our great football tradition and level of expectations on and off the field," Roman said in a statement released by the school. "As a former New London player and current coach, I am up to the challenge and am fortunate to lead one of Connecticut's best football programs.

"It's an honor to be entrusted with the opportunity to lead my alma mater into a new era of our football tradition. The limitless possibilities that our tremendous magnet school district offers the student-athletes is truly exciting."

Roman's oldest son, J. Hunter, plays football at Yale, while his two youngest children — D. Major and K. D. Spencer — are student-athletes at New London. Major, a junior, plays football and basketball for the Whalers while Spencer, a freshman, is a member of the girls' basketball team.

"Juan is well connected in the football community. He knows many collegiate coaches and is committed to positioning our student-athletes to play at the next level," New London principal Tommy Thompson III said. "He shares the administration's beliefs in promoting character, college, community, and competitiveness."

Roman was a senior tri-captain in 1983 under Jim Buonocore and helped lead the Whalers to the Class M state championship. He returned to New London as an assistant coach in 2005 and during his 11 seasons on the sidelines has been part of eight teams to qualify for the CIAC playoffs, including four championship berths and the 2006 Class S state title.

"We are ecstatic to hire a Whaler to lead our football program," athletic director Chris Vamvakides said. "He has high expectations for the student athletes of New London on and off the field and his combination of positive attributes makes us very confident moving forward that we will be able to take our program to the next level."

Added former New London great Kasi Fletcher, who son is a current member of the program: "As a parent I couldn't be more pleased on the selection of Juan Roman as our new football coach. It was not only great hearing Coach Roman's plans to rejuvenate New London's iconic football program, but learning of his plans to improve post-secondary education and career opportunities for our student athletes was the deal breaker.

"He's not only the type of coach that New London High School needs, he's the type of coach the community deserves."