NASHVILLE– The Tennessee Titans announced today eight finalists for the team's annual High School Coach of the Year award.
The award recognizes high school football coaches who continuously demonstrate excellence in their profession, dedication to their football programs and their focus on the safety and character of their players. Their team's regular and postseason performance is also taken into consideration.
Finalists are as follows:
• Scott Blade (14-0): Independence High School, Thompson's Station
• Kevin Creasy (14-0): Oakland High School, Murfreesboro
• Jerry Joslin (10-3): Goodpasture Christian, Madison
• Kevin Locastro (13-0): Lausanne Collegiate School, Memphis
• Joey Mathis (13-1): Marion County High School, Jasper
• Derek Rang (14-0): Dresden High School, Dresden
• Bryson Rosser (12-2): Knoxville Central High School, Knoxville
• Rodney Saulsberry (14-0): Whitehaven High School, Memphis
The High School Coach of the Year award winner will be announced following the conclusion of the 2016 BlueCross Bowl, and will receive a grant in the amount of $2,000 to benefit his football program, as well as an all-expense paid trip to the 2017 Pro Bowl in Orlando, Fl.
As the team's award winner, he automatically qualifies for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year award, honoring high school football coaches that display the integrity, achievement and leadership exemplified by the coach with the most wins in NFL history, Don Shula. The Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year award winner – announced in January – receives $10,000 and his high school football program is awarded $15,000.
The Titans' High School Coach of the Year award is an extension of the High School Game of the Week and Coach of the Week programs. Each Coach of the Week (10 total) received a grant from the Tennessee Titans in the amount of $1,000 to benefit his school's football program. All 11 award winners – 10 Coach of the Week winners and the Coach of the Year – will be recognized during the Titans vs. Texans game on Sunday, Jan. 1.
Through the Coach of the Week program, the Titans have donated more than $190,000 in grant funding to high school football programs across the state.
For more information on the High School Game of the Week and Coach of the Week program, or a list of Coach of the Week winners, visit www.titansonline.com/gameoftheweek.
