Celebrating Local Coaches: Kansas City Chiefs Announce Coach of the Week 🎉🏈

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On Wednesday, September 17, the Kansas City Chiefs proudly shared their Week 3 Coach of the Week awardees for the 2025 season. This recognition shines a spotlight on outstanding coaches in the area who have demonstrated excellence on the field.

Honoring Local Talent

This week, the award was given to Michael Cobbins, head coach at Winnetonka High School in Missouri, and Mark Simoneau, head coach at Shawnee Mission East High School in Kansas. These selections celebrate their impactful leadership and their teams' impressive performances during the high school football season's third week.

As part of this honor, both coaches will receive a $500 grant from the Hunt Family Foundation, a stylish Chiefs bucket hat, a certificate of recognition, and a custom game ball! Furthermore, they will be eligible for the Eric Driskell Coach of the Year Award, which will be announced at the end of the high school football regular season by a committee representing the Missouri and Kansas Boards of the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association.

Coach Michael Cobbins' Impressive Start 🌟

Cobbins has led the Winnetonka Griffins to a 2-1 record, highlighted by a stunning 46-0 victory over Cameron on September 12. Following a narrow loss in the season opener against the Central Indians, the Griffins rebounded fiercely, outscoring their subsequent opponents 85-0, which played a key role in Cobbins receiving the accolade in Missouri.

“My heart is filled with gratitude for being named Coach of the Week,” Cobbins exclaimed. “This award embodies the passion, effort, and dedication of my entire team, my fellow coaches, and everyone contributing behind the scenes. This celebration is for our students, our community, and Tonka Nation!”

Cobbins is navigating his first season as the head coach at Winnetonka and boasts a remarkable athletic background. A former standout defensive lineman at Missouri Western State, he achieved three-time All-MIAA Conference first-team honors and earned recognition as a Division II All-American honorable mention in both 2005 and 2006. In 2006, he was instrumental in leading his college to its first-ever Division II playoff appearance.

Coach Mark Simoneau: A Legacy in the Making 🏆

Over in Kansas, Coach Simoneau has the Lancers off to an impressive 2-0 start, recently clinching a convincing 42-21 victory against Seaman on September 12. The Shawnee Mission East offense racked up an astonishing 565 yards, with 412 yards coming on the ground, while their defense effectively limited the Vikings to just 271 yards of total offense. In his second season, Simoneau has propelled Shawnee Mission East to its first 2-0 start since 2017, a season where they reached the quarterfinals of the KSHSAA Class 6A Playoffs.

“This recognition is a tribute to our players, coaches, and community members,” Simoneau expressed. “It reflects our collective efforts and the culture we’re building together at Shawnee Mission East.”

Mark Simoneau is no stranger to excellence. Drafted in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, he enjoyed a prominent 11-year career as a linebacker. His journey took him to several teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles and the New Orleans Saints, where he proudly contributed to a Super Bowl XLIV championship team before wrapping up his professional career with the Chiefs.

During his collegiate days at Kansas State, Simoneau became a notable player, earning the Consensus All-American title in 1999, along with accolades as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year. In recognition of his accomplishments, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012, followed by his induction into the Kansas State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018.

A Tradition of Excellence: Coach of the Week Program

This momentous recognition of local coaches is part of the High School Coach of the Week program, now in its 29th year. A collaborative effort between the Chiefs and the NFL, this initiative not only applauds head coaches for their athletes’ performance but also honors those who profoundly affect high school students' lives by prepping them for success beyond football.

Supporting Our Future Stars 💪

The Kansas City Chiefs team up with local organizations to select the Coaches of the Week from Missouri and Kansas on a weekly basis. For over 16 years, one such partner has been PrepsKC, a leading multimedia outlet covering high school sports in Kansas City with a vibrant website, engaging magazine, and a comprehensive weekly radio show.

For those eager to dive deeper into high school football, find scores, schedules, and in-depth coverage at PrepsKC.

Conclusion

Recognizing our coaches is essential, as they mold future athletes not just in sport but in life. Their dedication inspires not only their teams but also the broader community. Hats off to Coach Michael Cobbins and Coach Mark Simoneau! 🎉🏈 Your hard work and commitment make a lasting impact and set an incredible example for future generations!