Kansas City Chiefs Announce Week 4 Coaches of the Week 🏈✨

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On September 24, the Kansas City Chiefs revealed their selections for Week 4 Coach of the Week for the 2025 season. This recognition showcases exceptional talent and dedication within the local high school football community.

Honorable Mentions: Coaches Making a Difference

Drew Hudgins of Staley High School (Missouri) and Drew Steffen of Eudora High School (Kansas) earned this esteemed title based on outstanding performances during the fourth week of the high school football season. The goal of this program is to honor coaches for their achievements on the field and their positive influence off the field.

Rewards and Recognition 🏆

As a part of their honor, both coaches will receive:

A $500 grant from the Hunt Family Foundation
A stylish Chiefs bucket hat
A certificate recognizing their achievements
A custom game ball

Additionally, both coaches qualify for the Eric Driskell Coach of the Year Award, which is determined at the conclusion of the high school regular season by a panel from the Missouri and Kansas Boards of the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association.

Staley Falcons’ Triumph

The Staley Falcons celebrated a victorious moment by defeating the previously unbeaten Blue Springs Wildcats 21-14 on the road. A solid defensive performance in the first half saw Staley grab three interceptions, including a return for a touchdown, enabling them to lead 21-7 at halftime. The Falcons only allowed one more score in the fourth quarter, clinching their first conference win of the season. They are gearing up to face the Blue Springs South Jaguars next at home on Friday at 7 p.m.

Coach Hudgins expressed his gratitude by stating, "This award reflects the hard work of our players and the effort from the entire coaching staff throughout the week. It truly is a team award, and I’m proud of what we have accomplished."

Meet Coach Drew Hudgins 🌟

In his second season as head coach, Hudgins has a rich history in coaching. He previously led Blue Valley North during the 2023 season and spent 12 years at Mill Valley, where he guided the defense to seven Class 5A state championships, including a remarkable four consecutive titles from 2019 to 2022. A Spring Hill, Kansas native, Hudgins also played defensive end at Highland Community College, achieving second-team NJCAA All-American accolades and first-team All-Jayhawk conference honors in 2006. He transferred to Colorado in 2007 but faced season-ending injuries that led to his early retirement in 2008.

Eudora Cardinals Soar High

The Eudora Cardinals also made headlines with a 24-14 victory over Spring Hill, marking them as 2-0 in conference play. Their defense was remarkable, holding the once-unbeaten Broncos to just 64 passing yards. Eudora went into halftime leading 10-0, maintaining their momentum with two late touchdowns for the win. They aim to build on this success as they prepare to take on undefeated Ottawa at home on Friday at 7 p.m.

Coach Steffen remarked, "This award highlights the hard work of our team and coaches each week. Football requires everyone to come together to defeat strong opponents. Our players executed the plan our coordinators designed exceptionally well. It's a privilege to receive this recognition, and we hope to keep the momentum going in our big game against 3-0 Ottawa."

Coach Drew Steffen: A Leader in Eudora 🏅

Steffen is currently in his fourth year as head coach of the Cardinals and has made a significant impact, leading the team to the playoffs each season. He began his coaching career as the team’s defensive coordinator in 2020, taking the reins just two years later and guiding the Cardinals to an impressive 8-2 record—their best finish since 2012. Initially, Steffen honed his coaching skills at Mission Valley in Eskridge, Kansas, for four years as the Vikings’ defensive coordinator, before moving on to Shawnee Mission East, where he was the special teams coordinator for five seasons. Steffen played wide receiver at Fort Hays State during his college years.

A Tradition of Recognition 🎉

Entering its 29th year, the High School Coach of the Week program serves as a collaborative initiative between the Kansas City Chiefs and the National Football League. Besides spotlighting coaches for their on-field accomplishments, the program highlights individuals who positively impact the lives of high school student-athletes, preparing them for life beyond football.

The Kansas City Chiefs collaborate with PrepsKC to select Coaches of the Week from Missouri and Kansas each week. For the past 16 years, PrepsKC has served as Kansas City's comprehensive multimedia outlet dedicated to high school sports, offering a dynamic website, a weekly magazine, and an extensive weekly radio show. For more details about PrepsKC, including scores, schedules, and coverage, you can visit PrepsKC’s website.

In conclusion, honoring these dedicated coaches not only highlights their successes but also emphasizes the importance of leadership and community in the world of high school athletics. Cheers to Coach Hudgins and Coach Steffen for their outstanding achievements this season! 🌟🏈