The NFL announced Thursday, Jan. 9 that the New Orleans Saints have nominated Coach Robert Valdez from St. James High School for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award, representing the best at the high school level.
St. James High School finished the season with a perfect 15-0 record and won its first Class 3A state championship in 40 years. Valdez was named Class 3A Coach of the Year.
Valdez, along with 31 other nominees up for the award, will attend the Pro Bowl in Orlando. Two finalists will each receive $15,000 from the NFL Foundation, $10,000 of which will go to their high school's football program. They will also attend Super Bowl LIV in Miami as special guests of the NFL.
The Don Shula Award winner will be announced during the 2020 Pro Bowl, airing Sunday, Jan. 26 at 2 p.m. on ESPN.
