Capitol News

Adam Kipf, head coach of Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central High School's football team, has been named the Detroit Lions High School Football Coach of the Week for week five of the 2025 season. The recognition is part of the annual program presented by Carhartt.

Kipf's team, the Falcons, recently defeated Carleton Airport 54-24, bringing their season record to 5-0. Over five games, the Falcons have scored a total of 208 points and are averaging 41.6 points per game. The team is currently ranked first in Division 7. Their next game will be against Milan on October 3rd.

Now in his 23rd season coaching high school football and his 11th as head coach at Monroe SMCC, Kipf has led his teams to nine playoff appearances, with regional runs in 2017, 2018, and 2022. He guided the Falcons to a Division 7 state championship in 2019 and a runner-up finish in 2024. His career record stands at 85 wins and 33 losses.

The Detroit Lions Football Education department interviewed Kipf about his team's continued success and how last year's state championship loss served as motivation for this season. They also discussed the upcoming matchup against Milan. Kipf learned about his Coach of the Week selection during an appearance on Head Coach Hangout. The full interview can be viewed at www.DetroitLions.com/coachoftheweek.

According to the Detroit Lions, "Each week throughout the 2025 high school football regular season, one coach that best demonstrates success on the field, develops players' character, discipline, and football skill in addition to emphasizing player health and safety in their program will be recognized for their commitment to the team, school, and community." Winners are chosen by a panel of local media members: Mick McCabe (retired Detroit Free Press writer), Hugh Bernreuter (Saginaw News), Bret Bakita (WOOD Radio-106.9 FM; Fox 17/Grand Rapids), James Cook (Traverse City Record-Eagle), and Scott DeCamp (DeCamp Creative Solutions).

This year’s program will distribute $12,000 to support high school football across Michigan through contributions from the Detroit Lions, NFL Foundation and Carhartt. Each weekly winner receives $1,000 for their school's football program; at season’s end one Coach of the Year will receive $3,000 for their school’s program along with certificates signed by Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

Now marking its twenty-ninth year, the Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Week initiative has awarded $515,000 to programs statewide since inception.

For further details about this initiative or to contact Chris Fritzsching—Executive Director of Football Education—email chris.fritzsching@lions.nfl.net.