The NFL announced today that high school football coach Bill Jacklin of Slinger High School in Slinger, Wis., has been named the NFL Don Shula National High School Coach of the Year for the NFC.
Jacklin, who was selected as this season's Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA)/Green Bay Packers High School Coach of the Year, was nominated by the Packers for the national award. All 32 NFL clubs nominated a high school coach that demonstrates the integrity, achievement and leadership exemplified by Don Shula, the winningest coach in NFL history. A panel that included Peyton Manning, Tony Dungy and Scott Pioli reviewed all nominations and selected two Don Shula Coach of the Year Award winners, one from the NFC and one from the AFC. The Indianapolis Colts' nominee John Hart, head football coach at Brownsburg High School in Brownsburg, Ind., was named the AFC's award recipient.
"I am deeply honored to accept the Don Shula High School Coach of the Year Award, a recognition that stands for character, leadership and dedication to community," said Jacklin. "This achievement is not mine alone—it represents the dedication, passion and hard work of every individual within our Slinger football family. 'All In as One' has been more than a motto; it's the foundation of our success."
Jacklin will attend the Pro Bowl Games and Super Bowl LVIII as a special guest of the NFL and will also receive a $15,000 award to his high school football program and a $10,000 cash award, courtesy of the NFL Foundation and Nike.
"The Packers are pleased to congratulate Coach Jacklin on earning this incredible honor and national recognition," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "He is a tremendous asset to his community in Slinger, just like so many dedicated high school coaches are throughout Wisconsin. To receive an award named for one of the greatest coaches in football history is a testament to Coach Jacklin's leadership ability. We commend his dedication to shaping the young men in his program into winners both on and off the field."
This fall, Jacklin and the Slinger Owls completed their undefeated season by bringing home the school's second state football title. Jacklin graduated from Slinger High School in 1988 and accepted the head coaching position at his alma mater before the 2011 season. In addition to coaching football, Jacklin is a 4th grade teacher at Addison Elementary School. Coach Jacklin has three sons, Marshall, Andrew and Chase.
