The inaugural NFL Play Football Youth Coach of the Week Award for Week 1, representing the Carolina Panthers goes to Chris Evans of the Coul-Oak Steelers in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Coul-Oak Steelers are part of the Little Panthers’ Pop Warner League.
The NFL Play Football Youth Coach of the Week award, which is given in collaboration with Pop Warner Youth Football organization, recognizes Coach Evans’ commitment and dedication to shaping young football athletes in his community.
Congratulations to Coach Evans on becoming the first-ever NFL Play Football Youth Coach of the Week, proudly representing the Panthers in Week 1!
With over 20 years of dedication, Coach Evans has shaped the lives of hundreds of youth and high school football athletes across the… pic.twitter.com/V99lYZTCIx
— NFL Play Football (@nflplayfootball) September 4, 2025
Evans, who began coaching in Pop Warner in 2006, is currently an assistant coach at the 9U and 10U level. Over the last 20 years, he’s coached from 6U through 14U. In addition, he’s also currently the offensive coordinator at Corvian Community High School that finished runner-up in North Carolina’s 1A classification in 2024.
Coach Evans has coached over 100 youth players, who have gone on to play college football at all levels. He a three-time Optimist Bowl Champ with the Coul-Oak Steelers and President of the organization.
“The NFL Play Football Coach of the Week Award in partnership with AYF & Pop Warner honors those who do more than teach the game at the younger levels,” said Roman Oben, NFL’s Vice President of Football Development. “It celebrates leaders who inspire character, teamwork, and a lifelong love of football in the next generation”
“We’re thrilled to team up with the NFL on the Youth Coach of the Week program because it celebrates the true lifeblood of our organization and youth football: the volunteer coaches,” said Steve Strawbridge, President/CEO of Pop Warner. “They are the mentors who not only help young athletes develop their skills on the field but also shape them as people. This award is a meaningful way to thank the men and women who give so much back to our game and our communities, ensuring the sport remains strong for the next generation. We’re especially excited to partner with the Panthers in Week 1 and highlight the great work of Coach Evans. With our Pop Warner National Championships coming to Charlotte this year, it’s special to recognize a coach who represents that community and all that Pop Warner stands for.”
Evans believes football is the greatest sport on earth that teaches, teamwork, confidence, accountability and how to overcome adversity with hard work.
Below, I talk with Coach Evans about the honor and his love of the game.
During the 2025 season, America Youth Football and Pop Warner organizations in partnership with the NFL will recognize 10 youth coaches of the week representing 10 NFL clubs.