The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 5 High School Coach of the Week is Bob Palko of Mt. Lebanon High School. Last week, Palko’s Blue Devils surprised Pittsburgh Central Catholic 37-30, which moved Mt. Lebanon to No. 7 in the High School Football America Pennsylvania Top 25.
Read: Pennsylvania Top 25
Palko, who is in his second year as Mt. Lebanon’s head coach, owns the most WPIAL titles with eight. Those titles came during Palko’s 24-years as the head coach at West Allegheny.
In 2001, Palko won a state title with his son Tyler Palko at quarterback. Tyler went-on to play in the NFL, starting four games in 2011 for the Kansas City Chiefs after starter Matt Cassel was injured.
Coming into this season, Palko’s career coaching record was 224-78.
During each high school football season, the Pittsburgh Steelers select a High School Coach of the Week. This coach is selected by the Steelers as someone who has a big victory, a turnaround season, does extraordinary work in their community, and/or gives great effort to make a lasting positive impact in his student athletes. The Coach of the Week winners are invited to be honored at a Steelers home game and receive a framed certificate signed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Head Coach Mike Tomlin; a Steelers Coach of the Week cap; and a $1,000 donation to their football program.
The Coach of the Year is selected following the high school football season and receives a $2,000 donation to his football program.
The Don Shula NFL Coach of the Year is named after Pro Football Hall of Famer Don Shula, the winningest coach in NFL history — for their character and integrity, leadership, dedication to the community, commitment to player health and safety and on-field success. All Don Shula Award nominees are invited to attend the Pro Bowl and were recognized in special ways during the NFL’s week-long celebration of football. Throughout the week, coaches receive VIP access and accommodations at various events such as Pro Bowl practices, the Play Football High School Skills Showdown and Play Football Celebrity Flag game; a chance to interact and engage with various members of the football community; and attend the Pro Bowl.
2020 Steelers Coach of the Week Winners
Week 4 – Greg Perry, Keystone Oaks
Week 2 – Mike Evans, Canon-McMillan
Week 1 – Dan Knause, Chartiers Valley
