Coach Kyle “KC” Landefeld of Clarksburg High School has been nominated for the 2025 Don Shula High School Coach of the Year Award, one of the NFL’s most prestigious honors for high school football coaches.
Named after Pro Football Hall of Famer Don Shula, the award recognizes coaches for character, integrity, leadership, community dedication, commitment to player health and safety, and on-field success. Landefeld is one of 32 nominees nationwide and the two national winners announced in the lead-up to the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl.
The nomination follows a standout year for Landefeld and the Clarksburg girls flag football program. In December, he was named the Washington Commanders’ Maryland Flag Football Coach of the Year, recognizing his leadership, player development, and the sustained success of the Coyotes. Under his guidance, Clarksburg shut out Whitman 19-0 to win its second consecutive state championship, capping an undefeated stretch that dates back to the opening game of the 2024 season. The Coyotes entered the 2025 postseason as the No. 2 seed and advanced to an all-Montgomery County final, underscoring the program’s rise as the sport continues to grow across Maryland.
An educator for 34 years, Landefeld has been praised for building a program rooted in structure, teaching, and strong relationships with his players. A Commanders.com feature highlighted his detailed practices, film study sessions, emphasis on football fundamentals, and calm, adaptable leadership style. His work has helped elevate Clarksburg into one of the premier girls flag football programs in the state and positioned him for national recognition through the Don Shula Award.
