Carolina Panthers Honor Chris Evans as Play Football Youth Coach of The Week

The inaugural NFL Play Football Youth Coach of the Week Award for Week 1, representing the Carolina Panthers, goes to Chris Evans of the Coul-Oak Steelers in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Coul-Oak Steelers are part of the Little Panthers’ Pop Warner League.

Presented in collaboration with the Pop Warner Youth Football organization, the NFL Play Football Youth Coach of the Week award recognizes Coach Evans’ commitment and dedication to shaping young football athletes in his community.

Evans began coaching in Pop Warner in 2006 and is currently an assistant coach at the 9U and 10U level. Over the last 20 years, he has coached players from 6U through 14U. He also serves as the offensive coordinator at Corvian Community High School, which finished as the runner-up in North Carolina’s 1A classification in 2024.

Coach Evans has positively impacted over 100 youth players, many of whom have gone on to play college football at all levels. He is a three-time Optimist Bowl champion with the Coul-Oak Steelers and currently serves as the organization’s president.

“The NFL Play Football Coach of the Week Award, in partnership with AYF & Pop Warner, honors those who do more than teach the game at the younger levels,” said Roman Oben, NFL's Vice President of Football Development. “It celebrates leaders who inspire character, teamwork, and a lifelong love of football in the next generation.”

"We're thrilled to team up with the NFL on the Youth Coach of the Week program because it celebrates the true lifeblood of our organization and youth football: the volunteer coaches,” said Steve Strawbridge, President/CEO of Pop Warner. “They are the mentors who not only help young athletes develop their skills on the field but also shape them as people. This award is a meaningful way to thank the men and women who give so much back to our game and our communities, ensuring the sport remains strong for the next generation. We’re especially excited to partner with the Panthers in Week 1 and highlight the great work of Coach Evans. With our Pop Warner National Championships coming to Charlotte this year, it’s special to recognize a coach who represents that community and all that Pop Warner stands for."

Coach Evans believes football is the greatest sport on earth, teaching teamwork, confidence, accountability, and how to overcome adversity through hard work.

Below, High School Football America’s Jeff Fisher talks with Coach Evans about the honor and his love of the game.

Throughout the 2025 season, the America Youth Football and Pop Warner organizations, in partnership with the NFL, will recognize 10 youth coaches of the week representing 10 NFL clubs.