The NFL announced Bennett High School’s Steve McDuffie as the Buffalo Bills’ nominee for the 2022 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year award.
McDuffie led Bennett to the school’s first ever NYSPHSAA Class AA championship in a resounding win, 42-8 against Newburgh Free Academy in December. This win avenged Bennett’s loss of the state title game last year. McDuffie became the first black head coach in New York state history to win a state championship.
Off the field, McDuffie, Bennett players and staff contribute to the Archie L. Hunter community outreach mentoring program with YMCA Buffalo Niagara each year. The group raises funds with an annual track meet and an annual fundraiser on Martin Luther King Day. The head coach also played a large part in the resurgence of the Westside Little League football program.
These high school coaches were recognized by their local NFL club for the prestigious award – named after Pro Football Hall of Famer Don Shula, the winningest coach in NFL history. The coaches were judged based on areas Coach Shula excel at most during his career – character, integrity, leadership, dedication to the community, commitment to player health and safety and on-field success.
“We are honored to celebrate the 32 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year nominees, as each embodies the integrity, commitment and character of Coach Shula,” said ROMAN OBEN. “High school football coaches serve as leaders and role models dedicated to shaping the lives of young high school players both on and off the field and this group represents the very best from across the country every year.”
For the first time, the NFL will recognize two winners, one from each conference, AFC & NFC. These two winners will be invited to the Pro Bowl Games in Las Vegas on February 5th and will be recognized in special ways during the NFL’s week-long celebration of football. Throughout the week, coaches will receive VIP access and accommodations to attend the Pro Bowl Games…
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