Updates

The NFL has named Columbine (CO) High School’s Andy Lowry and Muskegon (MI) High School’s Shane Fairfield as the AFC and NFC recipients of the 2023 NFL Don Shula High School Coach of the Year Award.

The league recognized the top high school coaches from NFL markets as nominated by the clubs. This honor is given to the high school football coaches who best represent character, integrity, leadership, dedication to the community, commitment to player protection and on-field success, in honor of the late Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Don Shula, the winningest coach in NFL history.

Lowry, of Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., was nominated by the Denver Broncos. Columbine, a perennial powerhouse at the 5A level, is one of the most respected programs in the state. Columbine won its third state title under Lowry, after a 14-0 season. In his 30th season at Columbine, Lowry earned his 300th career victory in September 2023.

“The Don Shula Coach of the Year award is a huge honor, and I am very humbled by this opportunity,” said Lowry. “I feel like a kid at Christmas waiting for the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl. I am thankful to the NFL and Nike and will soak it all in and share this experience with my team. I am very blessed to receive this award.”

Fairfield, from Muskegon High School in Muskegon, Mich., was nominated by the Detroit Lions. Fairfield won the MHSAA Division II state championship, in what was the 900th victory in school history. Muskegon has a .749 all-time winning percentage (900-287-43), dating back to 1895 and is the all-time winningest football program in Michigan.

“Coaching is a blessing that allows me to have the ability and opportunity to inspire young people through the game of football that I grew up loving. It truly is a dream job,” said Fairfield. “These young men come to me with different backgrounds and personalities, but to get them to play united, as a whole every snap for an entire game, week after week, is very rewarding. I enjoy being a mentor that young people can count on. Football was a father for me and taught me lessons that a dad is supposed to teach you. These are lessons and skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives.”

The NFL Foundation, in partnership with Nike, will award Lowry and Fairfield's programs with $15,000 grants. Each coach will also receive a $10,000 cash prize, and they both will be guests of the NFL at the 2024 Pro Bowl Games in Orlando, attend Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, and be recognized at NFL Honors.