Dave Ettinger Named 2025 AFC Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year

Garden City High School's Dave Ettinger is the 2025 NFC Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year, an award that honors extraordinary leadership, character, and on-field excellence — qualities that mirror the legacy of the NFL's winningest coach, Don Shula.

Nominated by the New York Giants, Ettinger's selection spotlights a level of sustained success that is virtually unheard of in high school football.

At the heart of the honor is Ettinger's astonishing 121-3 career record at Garden City — a .976 winning percentage that stands as one of the most dominant marks in the history of the sport.

Garden City is a juggernaut of high school football on New York's Long Island. The Trojans currently own the nation's longest active win streak with 66 consecutive victories. They've also won five straight Long Island Championships.

Recently High School Football America's Jeff Fisher spoke with Ettinger, who said he was humbled by the award. He also told Fisher he remembers every play from his three losses.

The Shula Award recognizes outstanding high school coaches who embody character, integrity, leadership, community commitment, player safety, and on-field excellence. From 32 nominees—one from each NFL team—a panel including Pro Football Hall of Famers Tony Dungy and Peyton Manning selected Ettinger as the NFC recipient.

This award brings $15,000 to the Garden City football program and a $10,000 personal grant for Coach Ettinger. He also will take part in celebrations during the 2026 Pro Bowl Games and Super Bowl LX.