Bob Palko Wins 2021 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year

Mount Lebanon High School (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) head coach Bob Palko was named the recipient of the 2021 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award in February.

Palko was honored on national television during the NFL’s Pro Bowl in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Palko, who took-over the Mount Lebanon program in 2019 after 24 years at West Allegheny High School, was nominated for the award by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was one of 32 team nominees honored in Vegas.

In December, the legendary western Pennsylvania football coach led the Blue Devils to their first-ever high school football state championship. After beating three-time defending Pennsylvania state champ St. Joseph’s Prep, Mount Lebanon finished No. 62 in the High School Football America 100 national rankings, powered by NFL Play Football.

The Don Shula Award is given to the high school football coach that best demonstrates integrity, achievement, and leadership, as well as a commitment to the health and safety of their players, as well as the impeccable characteristics of the late Shula.

Coach Palko received $12,500 as the Don Shula Award winner. His football program receives $17,500.

Below, Coach Palko talks with High School Football America’s Jeff Fisher about building the Mount Lebanon program into a state champion in just three years.