Dakota Ridge Coach Nominated for Prestigious Don Shula Award

In a season defined by resilience, historic achievement, and profound community spirit, Dakota Ridge High School football coach Jeremiah Behrendsen has received national recognition. Following the Eagles’ monumental victory in the 4A state championship—the first in school history—Behrendsen was named the Denver Broncos’ nominee for the prestigious Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award.

This honor places Behrendsen in esteemed company, recognizing coaches who embody the core values that defined the legendary Pro Football Hall of Fame coach, Don Shula: exceptional character, integrity, community involvement, unwavering commitment to player safety, and, crucially, on-field success.

A Season Forged in Adversity

The journey to the state title was anything but smooth for the Dakota Ridge Eagles. Coach Behrendsen, now in his second year leading the program, guided his team through significant emotional trials. During his inaugural season, the team grappled with the sudden death of a former player in an accident. This difficult period was compounded later that same season by the tragic loss of the team’s defensive coordinator’s wife.

Behrendsen credits the bond forged through these challenges as foundational to their championship culture. "Our defensive coordinator, who lost his wife last year, would be the first to say, 'Man, I needed this,'" Behrendsen shared with CBS Colorado, emphasizing how the shared pursuit of victory provided a vital outlet for healing and connection.

Culture Built on Belief and Discipline

For Behrendsen, the success of the 2025 season stems from an "unshakable culture built on belief and discipline." This philosophy extends beyond Xs and Os, focusing heavily on the holistic development of the student-athletes. This commitment to mentorship and character development is precisely what the Don Shula Award seeks to celebrate.

The team’s dedication and historic performance earned them recognition at the professional level. In December, the Eagles were honored during a Denver Broncos game against the Green Bay Packers, offering a glimpse of the regional support backing their historic run.

The Legacy of Don Shula in Modern Coaching

The Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award serves as a vital link between professional football excellence and grassroots community leadership. Don Shula, whose name is synonymous with longevity and winning, established a benchmark for coaching that prioritized respect and integrity alongside strategic mastery.

Receiving the nomination, Behrendsen expressed profound humility. "To know guys are doing this at a high level but still caring about character, it's incredibly humbling," he noted. This sentiment underscores a modern coaching ethos where impact off the field is valued as highly as victories on it.

Family at the Center of Success

For Behrendsen, the personal investment in his team is deeply intertwined with his own family life. He openly acknowledges the crucial support of his wife and cherishes the unique experience of sharing this historic season with his son, Kellen Behrendsen, who serves as the Eagles’ quarterback.

What the National Recognition Means

The national award process involves selecting one winner from each NFL conference: the AFC and the NFC. The two ultimate recipients will be announced the week leading up to the 2026 Pro Bowl Games and Super Bowl LX, which is scheduled to take place in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The rewards for the conference winners are significant, reflecting the NFL’s investment in high school football development. Each winner will receive a $15,000 grant designated for their high school football programs, alongside a $10,000 personal cash award. Furthermore, both coaches will be invited to attend the 2026 Pro Bowl Games and Super Bowl LX, and will be formally honored during Super Bowl week festivities, including an appearance at NFL Honors on February 5th in San Francisco.

Even the 30 other nominees across the league will receive recognition, each securing a $1,000 cash award, ensuring that the dedication shown across the country is acknowledged.

Coach Behrendsen’s nomination is more than just recognition for a single championship season; it validates a coaching philosophy centered on building resilient young men prepared for life’s inevitable challenges. As the Eagles celebrate their historic 4A title, their coach stands as a testament to the enduring power of leadership, integrity, and community strength, mirroring the very ideals championed by Don Shula throughout his storied career.