Capitol News

Charlie Gunsell, head coach of Ludington High School's football team, has been named the Detroit Lions High School Football Coach of the Week for week seven of the 2025 season. The recognition comes after Ludington's Orioles defeated Whitehall 32-7 during their Homecoming game, bringing their record to 7-0 for the first time since 1989. This win marked Gunsell’s 100th career victory and secured at least a share of the West Michigan Conference-Lakes Division title. Ludington is currently ranked ninth in Division 4.

Gunsell is in his 27th year coaching high school football at Ludington and his 22nd and final season as head coach. He has announced that he will step down from his position at the end of this season. Over his tenure, Gunsell has led the Orioles to playoff appearances in seven of the last ten seasons.

The Detroit Lions Football Education team interviewed Gunsell about his long coaching career, including coaching both of his sons—one as a player and one as part of his staff—and about reaching his milestone victory. "Detroit Lions Football Education sat down with Gunsell to discuss his two plus decades of coaching at Ludington, the joy of being able to coach his younger son while having his older son on the coaching staff and what the experience of his 100th career win was like. Gunsell was also informed of his Coach of the Week selection on Head Coach Hangout. See his reaction and the entire interview by visiting www.DetroitLions.com/coachoftheweek."

The Detroit Lions High School Football Coach of the Week Program recognizes coaches who demonstrate success on the field, develop players' character and discipline, and emphasize health and safety within their programs. Winners are chosen by a panel that includes high school football media members Mick McCabe, Hugh Bernreuter, Bret Bakita, James Cook, and Scott DeCamp.

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 a $1,000 donation for their school's football program. At season’s end, one coach will be named Coach of the Year with an additional $3,000 award for their program. All honorees receive certificates signed by Lions head coach Dan Campbell and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

Now in its 29th year, this initiative has provided $515,000 to high school football programs throughout Michigan.

For more information about this program or to contact Chris Fritzsching, Executive Director of Football Education for the Lions: chris.fritzsching@lions.nfl.net.