Greg Pittman Wins NFL Play Football Youth Coach of the Week, Representing the New England Patriots

When Greg Pittman’s young daughter began cheerleading, he never imagined it would lead him to become a youth football coach in his hometown of Hamden, Connecticut.

“I just started watching practice and then thought I could give a few suggestions to the coaches,” said Pittman, who coaches the Hamden Hurricanes 9U team in the local Pop Warner League.

Those suggestions sparked Pittman’s coaching journey, eventually making him one of the top youth coaches in the state. He has guided the Hurricanes to four straight championship games at various levels, with his teams winning three consecutive titles, including the 2024 New England 8U regional championship.

Pittman’s passion for coaching young athletes has now earned him the Week 3 NFL Play Football Youth Coach of the Week Award, representing the New England Patriots.

“What truly sets Coach Pittman apart is his ability to connect with players on a personal level and his willingness to be mentored himself,” said Calvin McGee, President of the Pop Warner Hamden Hurricanes Football and Cheerleading. “He invests time in understanding each athlete's strengths, challenges, and goals—tailoring guidance to support both athletic growth and personal development. As Coach Pittman grew in his role, he began to serve as a mentor, role model, and source of unwavering encouragement to younger coaches who are now positioned to lead.”

Roman Oben, NFL Vice President of Football Development, added, “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. It celebrates leaders who inspire character, teamwork, and a lifelong love of football in the next generation.”

Steve Strawbridge, President/CEO of Pop Warner, echoed this support: “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. 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.”

Below, Coach Pittman talks with High School Football America’s Jeff Fisher about his coaching philosophy and how those who helped him as a young man have influenced his approach to coaching.

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