National Football League announces nominees for 2021 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year

The 32 finalists for the 2021 Don Shula NFL high school Coach of the Year Award are a number of the simplest that sport has got to offer. On Thursday, the NFL announced the finalists within the running for the distinguished award named after the National Football League’s all-time winningest coach, who was inducted into the professional Football Hall of Fame in 1997.

The coaches (below) were recognized by their local NFL club for his or her character and integrity, leadership, dedication to the community, commitment to player health and safety, and on-field success.

“This year’s 32 Don Shula NFL high school Coach of the Year nominees represent the crucial role that prime school football coaches play in positively shaping the character of players,” said NFL vice chairman of Philanthropy and executive of the NFL Foundation, Alexia Gallagher. “We are proud to honor these coaches who have provided exemplary mentorship to student-athletes both on and off the sector .”

Two finalists are going to be selected and a winner is going to be announced this summer. Nike, a presenting partner, and therefore the NFL Foundation will award $12,500 to the Don Shula Award winner while the associated high school football program is going to be awarded $17,500. The second finalist will receive $7,500 while the associated high school football program is going to be awarded $12,500. additionally, the opposite 30 finalists will receive $1,000 each.

“It is great to collaborate with Nike and other partners to celebrate coaches and therefore the positive influence they need on high school student-athletes,” said NFL vice chairman of Football Development Roman Oben. “Congratulations to the present year’s nominees, especially given the challenges presented over the past year”.

Three of this year’s nominees led their schools to a national ranking in the 2020-21 High School Football America 100 powered by NFL Play Football, the NFL’s initiative to provide a fun and engaging experience for players of all ages and skill levels.

The Houston Texans named North Shore’s Jon Kay as their Coach of the Year after the Mustangs came up a game short of defending their back-to-back Class 6A Division I state titles. North Shore finished No. 8 in the final Top 100 after spending most of the 2020-21 season ranked No. 1.

Arizona Cardinals‘ High School Coach of the Year Rick Garretson led Chandler to a No. 17 finish in our national rankings after the Wolves won the state’s Open Division. It was the Wolves’ fifth straight state championship.

Eric Moore of Center Grove is the Indianapolis Colts Coach of the Year. Last year, Moore led the Trojans to a 6A state championship and a No. 15 rankings in our national rankings.

2021 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year nominees.

Past Winners of the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award

2019 – Matt Land, Dalton HS (Georgia), nominated by the Atlanta Falcons

2018 – Gabe Infante, St. Joseph’s Prep (Pennsylvania), nominated by the Philadelphia Eagles

2017 – Robert Garrett, Crenshaw (California), nominated by the Los Angeles Chargers

2016 – Randy Allen, Highland Park (Texas), nominated by the Dallas Cowboys

2015 – Michael Burnett, Tuscarora (Virginia), nominated by the Washington Football Team

2014 – Bruce Larson, Somerset (Wisconsin), nominated by the Green Bay Packers

Bruce Larson talks about Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award on HSFA Radio Show

2013 – Mike Grant, Eden Prairie (Minnesota), nominated by the Minnesota Vikings

Mike Grant talks about Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award on HSFA Radio Show

2012 – Steve Specht, St. Xavier (Ohio), nominated by the Seattle Seahawks

2011 – John McKissick, Summerville (South Carolina), nominated by the Carolina Panthers

2010 – Ray Seals, Madison (Texas), nominated by the Houston Texans

Click here to check out NFL Play Football