Detroit, MI - The Detroit Lions have named Jordan Hessbrook of Ithaca High School the week four recipient of the 2025 Detroit Lions High School Football Coach of the Week Program, presented by Carhartt. Hessbrook's Yellowjackets defeated Carrollton 68-6 to move to 4-0 on the season. Through four games, Ithaca has scored 203 points, averaging 50.8 points per game. Ithaca is currently ranked #3 in Division 7. On Friday, September 26th, Ithaca hosts their annual Homecoming game as Hemlock comes to town in the 22nd matchup all-time between these two programs.
Hessbrook is in 12th season coaching high school football at Ithaca and his 5th season as head coach. He's led the Yellowjackets to the playoffs in his first four seasons with two regional appearances in 2022 & 2023. He has a career record of 41-8 (83.7%) overall. Hessbrook played in the Ithaca football program as a student-athlete, winning football state championships in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Detroit Lions Football Education sat down with Hessbrook to discuss his taking over the Ithaca program from his uncle and the pressure associated with the role, discussion of the 2025 squad and how he handles Homecoming Week festivities while preparing for a Week #5 opponent. Hessbrook was also informed of his Coach of the Week selection on Head Coach Hangout. See his reaction and the entire interview by visiting www.DetroitLions.com/coachoftheweek.
High School Football Coach of the Week Program
Each week throughout the 2025 high school football regular season, one coach that best demonstrates success on the field, develops players' character, discipline, and football skill in addition to emphasizing player health and safety in their program will be recognized for their commitment to the team, school, and community. The winner is selected by a panel of high school football media members—Mick McCabe (retired Detroit Free Press writer), Hugh Bernreuter (Saginaw News), Bret Bakita (WOOD Radio-106.9 FM, 96.1 FM- The Game, Fox 17/Grand Rapids), James Cook (Traverse City Record-Eagle) and Scott DeCamp (DeCamp Creative Solutions).
This season's program will award $12,000 to aid in the development and promotion of high school football in the state of Michigan, thanks to contributions from the Detroit Lions, the NFL Foundation and Carhartt.
Each winning coach during the regular season will receive a $1,000 donation to his school's football program. At the conclusion of the 2025 Michigan High School Football season, the Lions will also select the High School Football Coach of the Year. This season's Coach of the Year will receive a $3,000 donation to his school's football program. All winners will receive a certificate signed by Lions' head coach Dan Campbell and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
Currently in its' 29th year, the Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Week program has awarded $515,000 to high school football programs throughout the state of Michigan. For more information on the High School Coach of the Week program, contact Chris Fritzsching, Lions' Executive Director of Football Education, at chris.fritzsching@lions.nfl.net.
