About the Program

The NFL High School Coach of the Year Awards honor high school tackle and flag football coaches that display integrity, achievement, and leadership.

Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award

The Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year award honors high school football coaches that demonstrate the integrity, achievement, and leadership exemplified by the winningest coach in NFL history, Don Shula.

We are very fortunate that many NFL players have benefited from coaches who have positively influenced their lives; this program is one way that the NFL and its players can recognize and support these special individuals.

Nominations will be judged solely on the narrative provided to us by clubs and coaches. Questionnaires will close December 2nd, so please complete the questionnaire prior to that date.

The NFL will select 2 (TWO) winners, one from each conference AFC/NFC. These two winners will again be honored by traveling to the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl LVIII. 

NFL High School Flag Football Coach of the Year Award

Each NFL club nominates a high school flag coach to represent their market for the NFL High School Flag Football Coach of the Year. Nominees must show how they continuously demonstrate hard work and dedication to their high school flag football programs and develop and foster strong character in their players on and off the field. A panel comprised of NFL and football stakeholders selects one winner who will attend the Super Bowl as the NFL’s guest. The NFL Foundation also awards the winner with a $10,000 contribution, and the respective high school flag football program will receive a $15,000 grant. All Club nominees’ football programs will receive a $1,000 cash award. 

As with last year this application process has been combined. It is the expectation that each club works with their coach to complete the information in this application and submit it in a timely manner. We will not be able to consider your coach for the award if this application is not completed and submitted by the deadline. 

Who Can Apply

Applications are only available for NFL Team Personnel

Important Dates

• The Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year award nomination deadline is December 7, 2026.

• The NFL High School Flag Football Coach of the Year Award deadline is November 20, 2026.