The National Football League has named Maine-Endwell High School Coach MATT GALLAGHER and Boys and Girls High School Coach CLIVE HARDING as the AFC and NFC recipients of the 2022 NFL Don Shula High School Coach of the Year Award.
For the first time, the NFL recognized the top high school coach from each conference as nominated by their respective NFL clubs. The honor is given to the high school football coaches that best represents character, integrity, leadership, dedication to the community, commitment to player protection and on-field success, in honor of the late DON SHULA, the winningest coach in NFL history.
Harding, of Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn, NY, was nominated by the New York Jets to represent the AFC.
A retired New York City police officer and first responder who has always put others before himself, Harding has coached at Boy’s and Girl’s High School in Brooklyn since 2009 and this year led his team to an undefeated 10-0 season. Aside from football drills, Harding coaches his team for life beyond football. Throughout the season, his team has mock interviews and career prep, so they are prepared for job interviews and college recruiters. He cares deeply about education and setting academic goals for all of his players. He is frequently in-check with their teachers and counselors to ensure they are on track for graduation and having a variety of colleges to choose from. He truly wants the best circumstances for every individual on his team and says the most rewarding part of coaching is seeing his players mold into successful young men.
Harding and his team, in partnership with the Jets, takes part in an annual helmet reconditioning program, which dates back to the early 2000s. Harding coaches and implements fundamentally sound tackling skills into their practices in order to improve player health and safety. Only a fraction of Harding’s coaching is on the field: the rest is building their character to be genuine and kind people.
“My reward is…
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