Patrick
The Kansas City Chiefs have officially honored Basehor-Linwood High School Head Coach Rod Stallbaumer with the prestigious Eric Driskell High School Coach of the Year Award for the 2025 season.
The announcement was made during the Simone Awards ceremony, hosted this morning at Platte County High School, recognizing excellence in Kansas City high school athletics.
A Prestigious Recognition for an Outstanding Season
Stallbaumer expressed both gratitude and humility as he accepted the award.
“I am very honored to have been selected for this award,” he said. “This recognition reflects not only my efforts, but the dedication of our assistant coaches, our players, and the entire Basehor-Linwood community. Their commitment and sacrifices have built the foundation of our program.”
This season, Stallbaumer was previously named the Week 5 Coach of the Week for Kansas after leading Basehor-Linwood to an unforgettable 42-38 victory over De Soto. The game was sealed by a dramatic touchdown in the final 13 seconds, showcasing the Bobcats’ resilience and coaching brilliance.
The team went on to complete a historic run, finishing with a 12-1 record and advancing to the Class 5A state championship, solidifying their position as one of the most formidable high school football programs in the region.
Stallbaumer’s Coaching Legacy
With 22 seasons of head coaching experience, Stallbaumer has built an impressive 161-61 record, making him one of the most accomplished high school coaches in Kansas.
Since joining Basehor-Linwood in 2014, he has accumulated a strong 95-33 record, consistently elevating the Bobcats’ performance and culture.
Before his tenure at Basehor-Linwood, Stallbaumer served in several key roles:
- Lyndon High School (2007–2014) – Head Coach
- Rossville High School (2005–2006) – Assistant Coach
- Quivira Heights High School (2001–2005) – Assistant Coach, later promoted to Head Coach for his final two seasons
His career reflects a long-standing commitment to developing student-athletes, building competitive programs, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Chiefs and NFL Continue Their Commitment to High School Sports
The announcement also marks the conclusion of the 29th year of the High School Coach of the Week program—an initiative created by the Kansas City Chiefs and the National Football League.
The program celebrates exceptional high school coaches across the Kansas City area, spotlighting those who consistently demonstrate leadership, sportsmanship, and community impact.
Each week during the season, the Kansas City Chiefs partnered with PrepsKC to highlight standout coaches from Kansas and Missouri.
PrepsKC, known for its comprehensive, multimedia coverage of high school football in the Kansas City metro, provides weekly updates through its website, magazine, and radio show.
Coach Rod Stallbaumer’s recognition as the 2025 Eric Driskell High School Coach of the Year is a testament to his remarkable leadership, strategic excellence, and unwavering commitment to student-athletes.
His impact extends far beyond game day—shaping character, building confidence, and inspiring future leaders. With a storied coaching career, a historic season, and a supportive community behind him, Stallbaumer continues to exemplify what high school sports are all about.