Seattle Seahawks Coach of the Week
Coach of the Week
Recognizing the Coaches Who Help Shape Tomorrow
Each week during the high school football season, the Seahawks and the Washington State Football Coaches Association select two high school football coaches as our Coach of the Week winners. Each recipient receives a $500 donation to the school's football program and will be honored on-field at a Seahawks Home Game with their fellow recipients. Read more about this year's winners below. Ready? Break!
2024 Winners
Week #10: John Fiala - Cedarcrest High School (2A)
Coach Fiala's passion for football has truly been his entire life. He started his football career in 5th grade followed by playing at both University of Washington for six years and in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is his sixth season as Head Coach for Cedarcrest High School, although he has played a role as a coach locally in both Jr. Red Wolves Football program as well as Cedarcrest Lacrosse. Coach Fiala is a longtime resident of Duvall with his family, including his incredible wife and three amazing children. Coach Fiala is incredibly passionate about the game of football, the growth of each individual and building a family of champions for their collective future.
Cedarcrest is the 2024 KingCo Lake Division Champions! After a big win in week 10 against Woodland they punched their ticket to the WIAA 2A round of 16 state tournament!
Week #10: Dave Miller - Lakes High School (3A)
Dave Miller has been coaching at Lakes High School for 39 years! For the last 26 years, he has been the head coach leading the Lancers on and off the field including coaching Seahawks Legend and Super Bowl Champion Jermaine Kearse! Coach Miller is one of the most accomplished coaches in WIAA history with 23 state playoff births, 12 league championships, 2 state finals, and 6 semifinals. In 2020, Coach Miller was inducted into the Washington State Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Week #9: Evan Cook - Decatur High School (3A)
Defensive Coordinator Evan Cook is a product of Federal Way Public Schools playing for Todd Beamer High School. After graduating, he attended Eastern Washington University where he won 2 conference championships and a National Title. Since graduating from EWU with a BA in Criminal Justice and minor in Sociology, Coach Cook has been in Federal Way and South King County for the last decade helping youth who have been impacted by the juvenile justice system. Currently, Coach Cook runs a program called More Than Athletes, which focuses on developing students to build a game-plan for life and cultivate their gifts to impact this world in a positive way. He also works at the Technology Access Foundation as a Program Manager helping students connect to internships.
Among all of his off the field leadership and mentorship, Coach Cook has helped lead Decatur to a 9-0 season, ready for a chance at the 3A state title through their upcoming playoff run. Coach Cook's defense has been dominate with 4 shutouts, including their last win against his alma mater Todd Beamer 54-0. Coach Cook says his mission is to rebuild this world through service and inspiration, helping youth and young adults find their purpose in life!
Week #9: Bryan Bremer - Cashmere High School (1A)
Cashmere Head Coach Bryan Bremer started his coaching journey at Whitworth University where he was an assistant coach for 4 seasons (2014-2017). Coach Bremer served as the offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator during his stint with the Pirates. In 2018, Coach Bremer began his journey at Cashmere High School and took over an established, well-respected program thanks to the foundation and standard set by the staff before him.
Coach Bremer has been the head coach at Cashmere for the last seven years. Beyond the wins and losses, Coach Bremer has built positive life-long relationships with his players, coaches, and community members which is most important to him. The Cashmere Bulldogs are 8-1 after beating Naches Valley 56-0 last week, have outscored their opponents 441-94 this season and are currently #5 in the 1A WIAA RPI rankings!
Week #8: Michael Mckeown - Freeman High School (2B)
Coach Michael McKeown is off to an incredible start as a first year head coach. Coach McKeown leads the Freeman football program and has been coaching for 7 years total.
Coach McKeown started his coaching career as a graduate assistant for Whitworth University after his playing career. Coach McKeown has Freeman rolling and credits others for his opportunity to be the Head Coach and lead the way. "I became the head coach this season and none of it would be possible without the amazing support from my family, fellow coaches, players, and community" said Coach McKeown. Freeman is currently 7-1 and #3 in the 2B WIAA RPI rankings after shutting out Jenkins 50-0!
Week #8: Kevin McNulty - Naselle High School (1B)
Coach Kevin McNulty is in his 40th year of coaching! Coach McNulty has coached for several programs across the state and has been the head coach of the Naselle program since 2021. Coach McNulty is also an incredible wrestling coach and was inducted into the Washington State Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in 2017.
The Naselle Comets are rolling at #4 in the WIAA 1B RPI rankings and are currently 8-0 after beating Ocosta 85-22!
Week #7: Jake Whitman - Mount Vernon High School (3A)
Jake Whitman has been a physical education teacher and coach at Mount Vernon, his alma mater, since 2012. He worked as an assistant football coach for 10 seasons at Mount Vernon and Stanwood for 2 before taking the Head Coaching position at Mount Vernon in 2023. Coach Whitman has been happily married to his wife, Khalie, since 2011 and they have 4 incredible kids together: Presley 11, Scarlet 9, Blair 7 and Jude 4.
Mount Vernon recently beat undefeated and 6th-ranked Sedro Woolley 14-6 -- The first time the Bulldogs have beat their county rival since 2019!
Week #7: Trevor Hanson - Franklin Pierce High School (2A)
Trevor Hanson has been dedicated to the Franklin Pierce football program for 16 years, including the past 7 seasons as the head football coach. Known for his passion for developing players for success on and off the field, Coach Hanson and his staff have built a culture of excellence at FP. He is happily married to his wife, Somer, and they have two children, Leland and Victoire, that they are very proud of.
The Cardinals have had an outstanding season, with a 7-0 record, outscoring their opponents 360-51. Their most recent game was a 58-16 victory over Fife in Week 7, where they ran for 522 yards and scored 8 touchdowns. In total, Franklin Pierce has rushed for an impressive 2800 yards and 41 touchdowns so far this season. Their success is a testament to the team's highly talented players and the dedication of their committed coaching staff.
Week #6: Nate Graham - Gonzaga Prep High School (4A)
After spending over 15 seasons as an assistant coach for Gonzaga Prep the first year Head Coach Nate Graham has the Bullpups off to an incredible start this season outscoring opponents 229-81 so far. Coach Graham is a proud dad of his daughter Grace and son Jack most importantly!
The Bullpups move to 6-0 under coach Graham's leadership after shutting out Shadle Park last Friday 28-0 to move to 6-0 and #7 overall in the WIAA RPI rankings!
Week #6: John Thompson (JT) - Eastside Catholic High School (3A)
Coach John Thompson (JT) joined the Eastside Catholic football staff in 2022 as the varsity football offensive coordinator. Coach JT played wide receiver at Washington State University from 2013 to 2017 for the late great and legendary Head Coach Mike Leach.
Coach JT has taken his passion for football and background of playing it at a high level and put it into leading the next generation. That is exactly what he did in week 6 when he led Eastside Catholics offense to a 20 point comeback win against a tough Roosevelt team with just over 3 minutes left in the game to move to 5-1 and are top 10 in the WIAA RPI rankings so far this season!
Week #5: Cody Lamb - La Salle High School of Yakima (2B)
Coach Cody Lamb is in his 12th Season as the Head Coach of La Salle High School of Yakima where he also serves as a teacher and director of campus ministry. Coach Lamb is happily married to his wife Molly and they have 4 boys they are very proud of! The Lamb family lives and breathes La Salle High School football!
Coach Lamb is the all-time wins leader in La Salle history, surpassing HOF coach Jack McMillan last season. La Salle was recently named the WIAA 2B Team of the month for September and beat Goldendale 19-0, ending the Timberwolves' 16-game EWAC West Conference win streak. La Salle is now 5-0 to start the year and #5 in the WIAA RPI rankings for 2B.
Week #5: Steve Reeves - Kennewick High School (3A)
Coach Steve Reeves is the defensive coordinator for the Kennewick Lions. Prior to coaching at Kennewick coach Reeves was the DC at Ellensburg High School for 21 years under Head Coach Randy Affholter who now leads the Lions as well. Coach Reeves has been happily married to his wife Mone for 36 years and has two amazing kids and 4 special grandchildren.
Coach Reeves has clearly lived a life of community service after retiring as a Detective Sergeant after 32 years with the Washington State Patrol. "I started coaching as a way to give back and have a positive impact on young men like my high school coach did for me after my father passed away. The measure of my success comes from when my players become adults and are good husbands, fathers, and have a positive impact in the communities in which they live." said Coach Reeves. Coach Reeves has led the Lions defense to only allow an average of 8 points or less per game and had a huge win 14-13 on the road against 4A powerhouse Richland to move the Lions to a 5-0 start on the season.
Week #4: Scott Darrow - Monroe High School (3A)
Scott Darrow has coached at Monroe for 20 years, 15 as the offensive line coach and the past 5 years as head coach. He is a 12th grade history teacher at Monroe High School, is happily married to his wife named Caroline, and has two kids named Luke and Lily.
The Bearcats had an impressive 49-0 win against Everett last weekend and Coach Darrow and the team are now off to a 4-0 start outscoring opponets 185-24.
Week #4: Brian Thomas - Clallam Bay High School (1B)
Head Coach Brian Thomas is also the Athletic Director at Clallam Bay. His wife Dana and him have been married for 30 years, have 3 sons, and are both military Veterans.
Prior to coaching at Clallam Bay he coached & recruited in the German Football League and NFL Europe. Coach Thomas stepped up big for the Bruins when their former coach unexpectedly resigned this year. The team has clearly responded well outscoring opponents 179-0 and starting the season 3-0 so far!
Week #3: William Garrow - Tumwater High School (2A)
2A-classified Tumwater is rolling this season so far with decisive wins against two 4A programs, including a great 38-27 win on the road at a very tough Eastlake team to move to 3-0.
Coach Garrow has been leading the charge for the Thunderbirds and continues to do great things on and off the field as their head coach and part of the Washington State Coaches Association Executive Board.
Week #3: Adam Mathieson - Camas High School (4A)
Coach Mathieson is a veteran coach with more than 25 years of experience coaching offense, defense and special teams at the high school and collegiate level in the Pacific Northwest and in his first season as the Head Football Coach at Camas High School.
Coach Mathieson has led the papermakers to a 3-0 start after traveling to a tough Lincoln (Tacoma) program and winning in dominate fashion 33-14.
Week #2: Steve Kizer - Skyview High School (4A)
Coach Kizer led the Skyview Storm to an incredible comeback win against powerhouse Graham-Kapowsin. The Storm erased a 17 point deficit in the 4th quarter to take down the Eagles and move to 2-0!
Coach Kizer has been a leader for decades on and off the football field in the state of Washington, including 45+ years of coaching between Walla Walla Community College, Eastern Washington University, and Skyview High School. The Storm have been lucky to call Steve Kizer their Coach for over 20 years leading the way! The SKY is the limit for the STORM this season!
Week #2: Hershel Dennis - Life Christian Academy (1A)
The 1A LCA Eagles started the season off playing 3A Lynwood High School and pulled off a dominate win on the road 64-7. Following that in week 2 the Eagles went on to have a battle against a perenial state contender in Napavine High School.
Coach Dennis lead his Eagles in the closing seconds when their defense defended tipped pass to break up the opposing team touchdown and secure the 35-28 win against a tough Napavine team! Coach Dennis has the Eagles primed to make a deep run this season!
Week #1: Curtis Wells Jr. - Garfield High School Bulldogs (3A)
Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog: GHS graduate Coach Wells, accepted the challenge, becoming the Interim Head Football Coach after the close of the 2023-2024 season. During an extremely difficult time after the passing of our late student-athlete Amarr A'Shawn Murphy-Paine, Coach Wells warmly wrapped his arms around the school, extending kindness and valuable resources to both parents and players.
Garfield started their season with a huge and emotional win 16-13 against cross-town Metro League rival the Franklin Quakers.
Week #1: Keith Ross - Sumner High School Spartans (4A)
Coach Ross is a legend in WA State high school football with his long hair and passion for the game, among all of his accomplishments on the field leading the Spartans! He has spent 24 years as the Spartans Head Coach developing and leading student-athletes.
Coach Ross and the Spartans upset the Lake Stevens Vikings 31-28 in overtime, who were the 2023 4A State Champs!
Coach of the Year
At the end of the year, all 20 coaches will come to a Seahawks home game, where they will be recognized with a pregame brunch. One coach will be named Coach of the Year, and they will receive an additional $2,000 towards their football program.
2023 Coach of the Year
The 2023 Coach of the Year is Travis Anderson of Anacortes High School.
Coach Anderson led Anacortes to its first ever appearance in a State Football Championship game, as well as its first ever Northwest Conference Championship, in his first year as head coach. Known for his being fully invested into the success of his players both on and off the field, Coach Anderson embodies what coaches should be: a positive mentor that moves boys to men. And more importantly, there was not one discipline or grade issue in the entire varsity program. Congrats, Coach Anderson!
2023 Winners - B/2B or A/2A Coaches
Week #1: Joe Cronin - Archbishop Murphy High School
The Archbishop Murphy Football team defeated the Lake Washington Kangaroos with a walk off FG for a 17-14 victory in Coach Cronin's first game with the Wildcats. It was the first win in the last 14 games for Archbishop Murphy High School. A great team victory for the Wildcats, and an exciting way to start the season!
Week #2: Paul Theriault - Bremerton High School
The Bremerton Knights won their away non-conference game against Shelton Highclimbers (WA) by a score of 27-23.
Week #3: Joey Johansen - Manson High School
Manson defeated Asotin 42-26 at their game played in Pine Bowl, Whitworth. Both teams were undefeated!
Week #4: Mark Cross - Renton High School
Mark Cross lifted his team to 3-1 after beating Foster 44-0. Coach Cross is building a solid program at Renton. Building a disciplined winner. He's about the right things.
Week #5: Shane Wright - Darrington High School
The Loggers are now 5-0 after beating rival Concrete 54-38. Darrington hadn't had a winning season since 2013 before Wright took over the program last year and went 6-4.
Week #6: Travis Anderson - Anacortes High School
Travis Anderson is in his first year as HC at Anacortes High School with a 6-0 record in the highly competitive NWC.
Week #7: Darin Reppe - Wilbur-Creston-Keller High School
Coach Reppe got a big 50-30 win over 8-man powerhouse ACH (Almira-Coulee-Hartline), the 2021 state champs. His team, which finished 5-4 last season, is at a perfect 7-0 this season and poised to make a deep playoff run.
Week #8: Ryan Cole-Rogers - Spokane High School
Beat West Valley 38-14, handing them their first league loss on the season. In Cole's first year as the Pirates head coach, they improved to 6-3 and matched their win total from the previous 5 years combined!
Week #9: Mark Gunderson - Enumclaw High School
Enumclaw finishes the regular season with 49-6 win over White River and a 9-0 record. Ranked #2 in state rankings and have outscored their opponents 339-27.
Week #10: Jim Holman - Asotin High School
Coach Jim Holman went from 2-7 last year to 8-2 this year at Asotin. They finished 2nd in the league and beat chief rival Manson and qualified for the state playoffs for the first time in years.
2023 Winners - 3A or 4A Coaches
Week #1: Jamie Plenkovich - Ferndale High School
Coach Plenkovich's squad knocked off 2A power (2-time state champion) Lynden in the season opener--ending Lynden's 24 game winning streak.
Week #2: Archie Milloy - Mountlake Terrace High School
The Mountlake Terrace Hawks won Friday's home conference game against Snohomish Panthers by a score of 35-21.
Week #3: Jason Silbaugh - Bonney Lake High School
Bonney Lake had a big win over a tough, undefeated Lakes team: 29-24.
Week #4: Brett Jay - Moses Lake High School
Moses Lake defeated Central Valley High School by a score of 44-28. They are off to a 4-0 start.
Week #5: Matthew Vaeena - Decatur High School
Decatur defeated Tahoma 33-30 in a hard fought contest. Decatur now is 4-1.
Week #6: Davis Lura - Marysville Getchell High School
Lura had a huge win beating the highly ranked Ferndale 14-13 for the first time in school history and now has his team at 4-2.
Week #7: DJ Mims - Mercer Island High School
After going 0-10 in his first season as head coach in 2022, he has the Islanders off to a 5-2 start and they are 2nd place in KingCo 3A after a hard fought 24-20 victory over conference foe Liberty High School.
Week #8: Scott Hare - Eastlake High School
Big win against Bothell 14-7 in OT to take league title only loss this season to #2 Lake Stevens 35-27. Record moves to 7-1 for the first-year coach.
Week #9: Greg Dailer - Arlington High School
4 Arlington defeated #5 Monroe 45-18 to win the Westco 3A League title. Both teams were undefeated heading into the game.
Week #10: Keith Terry - Mt. Tahoma High School
Coach Terry clinched the 3A PCA title. The last time the Thunderbirds won a league title was 1982: 41 years ago.