Macon County coach Kyle Shoulders was named the 2024 Tennessee Titans High School Coach of the Year after leading the Tigers to their first TSSAA football championship last week. 

Macon County defeated Melrose, 45-14 in last week’s Class 4A BlueCross Bowl in Chattanooga, capping the seventh TSSAA football playoff appearance under Shoulders since he joined the program in 2017. 

“Coach Shoulders truly embodies the values and qualities representing the Titans Coach of the Year award. His role as head coach has been transformative for the Macon County football program resulting in a historical state championship win for the school,” Titans Vice President of Cause Marketing, Josh Corey, said in a release. “He continues to work tirelessly to enrich the lives of his players on and off-the-field, developing character and sportsmanship through hard work and dedication. We are proud to honor him this year and look forward to all he will accomplish in the future.”

Macon County finished the season 13-2 and on a nine-game win streak, led by the rushing attack of Zach and Gabe Borders. 

The program had been to the playoffs 20 times since 1969 but never captured a championship. 

Shoulders is the second straight coach from 4A to win the Titans’ coach of the year award. Last year, The Titans recognized Pearl-Cohn coach Tony Brunetti with the honor after the Firebirds won the 2023 state title.

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For the award, Shoulders received a grant in the amount of $3,000 from the Titans and the NFL to benefit his football program. The honor also qualifies Shoulders for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year award. The Shula award winner will be announced in January and receive grants over $25,000 for personal and football program use.  

“Macon County High School is honored and privileged to have Kyle Shoulders as the head football coach,” Macon County principal Daniel Cook said. “His character, work ethic, expectations, knowledge, selfless attitude, and his love for players, coaches, school, and community is embodied within our football program.  On behalf of our School and Community, we are so proud of the accomplishments of Coach Shoulders and our MCHS Football Team.”

Reach sports writer Tyler Palmateer at tpalmateer@tennessean.com and on the X platform, formerly Twitter, @tpalmateer83.