Mark Farnsworth has been an assistant football coach the past two years but wanted to run his own program again.

Farnsworth will get his chance after being named the new head coach at Bacon Academy on Thursday. He has been the defensive coordinator the past two seasons for Thames River. He also coached at Ledyard from 2008-15.

"That part (being a head coach) never left me," Farnsworth said. "I had heard about this opening early on and immediately sent an email up to Kevin Burke (Bacon's athletic director) and expressed my interest. Bacon has always been an extremely competitive team and always has great community involvement, school support and administrative support. There's been a real backbone there that really appealed to me."

Farnsworth takes over for Dave Mason, who had been the Bobcats' head coach for four seasons.

“Coach Farnsworth brings a wealth of football knowledge and experience as a player and coach to our football program," Burke said in a press release. "Mark is a decorated teacher and understands the importance of providing student athletes with a positive high school experience with a family type atmosphere within the football program. I’m excited for Mark to lead our football team with outstanding leadership and character for years to come.”

Farnsworth was a Ledyard assistant from 2008-15 and coached inside linebackers, been an offensive assistant working the running backs. He also led the junior varsity program. He became the interim head coach in 2016 and the Colonels finished 3-7 in what was his lone season in charge. He's been a physical education teacher at Ledyard High since 2007.

Bacon finished 7-3 last season with two of its losses to playoff teams — Norwich Free Academy (34-31, overtime) and Waterford (40-14).

"Dave and I have had a few conversations and he's just been extremely supportive and has helped with the transition," Farnsworth said. "I've done some film study and matched it up to last year's roster and who will be coming back. ... There's a real talented skill-group coming back on offensive and defense, and there are some linemen who have played the game and are good at it.

"I think there's a lot to work with."

n.griffen@theday.com