Coach Chuck Nagel from Newfane High School in Section VI (Buffalo Region) has been named the Buffalo Bills nominee for the Don Shula NFL High School Football Coach of the Year award.
The award honors high school football coaches that "demonstrate the integrity, achievement and leadership exemplified by the winningest coach in NFL history, Don Shula," according to the NFL Foundation.
When Nagel became the head coach in 2012, Newfane had not made the playoffs since 1993, when Nagel was a senior on the team. Nagel played two varsity seasons for Newfane and graduated in 1994.
"I went away to college and very fortunately was hired as a PE and Health Teacher back at my high school," explained Nagel. "Coaching football in my hometown is a dream come true."
The transition into the head coaching position was not an easy one and Nagel was tasked with rebuilding the football program.
"We went into the hallways and asked every kid if they were interested in playing football. We went 1-9 that first year," said Nagel. "We won our last game of the season at East Aurora in an extra game."
Fast forward 14 years to this season, the Panthers went 12-1 on the season, won the Class D Championship at Highmark Stadium and earned a spot in the NYS Semifinals.
"Our team was able to win the first Sectional and Regional Championships in school history this past season," said Nagel. "To be able to showcase our Newfane Panther players, coaches, and community in this spotlight is a dream come true for me."
Off the field, Nagel understands the importance of community service and giving back to his community.
"We help in the community whenever possible. We read books to the elementary aged kids, set up football related events at the elementary fitness fair, and even helped a single mom by hauling a massive pile of cut up wood from a tree that had fallen," explained Nagel. "These efforts strengthen our school community, build leadership and empathy in our players, and reinforce the values of service, responsibility, and character development."
In addition to being nominated for the Don Shula award, Nagel is the Buffalo Bills and Legends Global Merchandise Coach of the Year for Section VI, while Anthony Bianchi from Penfield High School was named the Coach of the Year for Section V (Rochester Region).
20 additional coaches between Buffalo and Rochester were selected for Buffalo Bills and Legends Global Merchandise Coach of the Week honors throughout the season and were honored at halftime of the Buffalo Bills Week 14 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
"In the end, we get to work with kids, playing the best game on Earth," finished Nagel. "We get to teach them life lessons they will take with them for the rest of their lives. The biggest reward is to watch the kids grow and develop from youth through our varsity program, and into successful adults in the world."
