NFL Names 2025 Don Shula High School Coaches of the Year

The NFL has selected Dylen Smith of Palisades Charter High School (California) and Dave Ettinger of Garden City High School (New York) as the AFC and NFC recipients of the 2025 Don Shula High School Coach of the Year Award presented by Jersey Mike's.

The award honors the top high school coach from each conference, as nominated by their respective NFL clubs. Named after the late Don Shula, the NFL's winningest coach, the recognition goes to coaches who exemplify character, integrity, leadership, community dedication, commitment to player protection, and on-field success.

Dylen Smith – Los Angeles Chargers Nominee

Coach Smith's story embodies resilience in the face of extraordinary adversity. Earlier this year, devastating fires destroyed Palisades' football field, facilities, and equipment, leaving the program without a home base. The team was forced to travel daily to different locations for practice and games, often using minimal or borrowed equipment—sometimes none at all.

Rather than letting circumstances derail his players' potential, Smith transformed chaos into opportunity. He created stability through leadership during constant uncertainty and displacement, instilling resilience, discipline, and belief within his team. The results spoke volumes: Palisades completed a perfect 10-0 regular season and advanced to the playoffs.

"I am honored and humbled to accept the Don Shula High School Coach of the Year Award, reflecting the unwavering dedication our entire program has shown throughout a year filled with undeniable adversity," Smith said. "Coaching is the way I can show love. It's my way of giving back because so many people poured into me and my brothers and sisters when we were young. My satisfaction comes from changing kids' lives, and hopefully they'll pay it forward down the road. Football is a microcosm of life."

Dave Ettinger – New York Giants Nominee

In his 11th season as head coach at Garden City High School, Ettinger led his team to a perfect 12-0 season. His 11-year tenure has produced a remarkable 119-3 record, creating the most dominant winning streak in New York State football history.

Garden City's season culminated with their 10th straight Nassau Conference II championship on November 21, defeating Long Beach High School 27-12 despite losing two key players, including their quarterback. They capped the season by beating East Islip 10-7 at Stony Brook University on November 29 to claim their fifth consecutive Long Island Class II Championship—the school's 13th Long Island football title overall.

"I am incredibly grateful to accept the Don Shula High School Coach of the Year Award, an honor that represents teamwork, sportsmanship, and character," Ettinger said. "My life off the field as a teacher shapes both who I am as a person and how I approach coaching. We celebrate selflessness—making the extra block, supporting a teammate, handling adversity with composure. Our athletes learn that how you win matters as much as winning itself, and that the lessons gained through effort and responsibility extend far beyond football."

All 32 NFL teams nominated coaches for the award, with winners selected by a distinguished panel including Pro Football Hall of Famers Tony Dungy and Peyton Manning, USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck, and Dave Shula, NFL legend and son of the late Coach Shula.

"Coach Smith and Coach Ettinger are leaders who inspire, uplift, and positively shape the lives of young people, representing the very best of high school football coaches," said Alexia Gallagher, NFL VP of Philanthropy and Executive Director of the NFL Foundation. "Their commitment to their players and communities reflects the values at the heart of the Don Shula Coach of the Year Award."

Through the NFL Foundation's partnership with Jersey Mike's, both Smith and Ettinger will receive $15,000 for their high school football programs and a $10,000 cash prize. They will be guests of the NFL at the 2026 Pro Bowl Games and Super Bowl LX in the Bay Area and will be recognized at NFL Honors.

Learn more about the award.