Bills honor three high school girls flag football coaches as 2026 Coaches of the Year

The Buffalo Bills announced their 2026 Coaches of the Year for high school girls flag football, naming Chris Edwards, Mike Wilkinson and Ryan Aldrich as the league’s local award recipients. The team said it is excited to recognize three coaches who have helped grow participation and support student-athletes through the flag football season.

According to the Bills, Edwards will be recognized from the Buffalo region. Wilkinson is slated to receive the honor from the Rochester region, and Aldrich will be recognized from the Syracuse region. The three awards reflect a multi-area approach to supporting girls flag football in upstate New York.

Flag football has become a consistent entry point for athletes who want to learn the game in a lower-contact format while building fundamentals, confidence and competitive habits. In that context, the role of a coach extends beyond day-to-day instruction. The Bills’ announcement positions these coaches as key contributors to the sport’s local ecosystem, including development of players and continuity of programs.

The Bills did not provide additional statistics in the announcement, such as team records or individual player outcomes. Instead, the emphasis was on recognition for coaching leadership and impact. For Edwards, Wilkinson and Aldrich, the award serves as an acknowledgement from the NFL organization that their work is being felt across their communities.

This kind of acknowledgment also matters for how girls flag football programs are sustained. Consistent coaching helps schools and youth organizations recruit players, establish practice routines, manage game-day preparation and maintain a culture where athletes can improve year to year.

For the Bills, the Coaches of the Year announcement ties directly to the broader goals of NFL teams working with youth and high school football audiences. By highlighting coaches across multiple regions, the team can spotlight local mentorship while reinforcing that flag football is more than a seasonal activity.

Looking ahead, the Bills’ recognition sets a clear benchmark for coaches and programs in the state’s girls flag football landscape. It also adds visibility to the coaches who often do the hardest work behind the scenes, preparing athletes to compete, learn, and stay engaged with the game.