By Sunday 
When you think of high school football in Michigan, one image probably doesn’t immediately come to mind: a female head coach leading her team to a 56-8 victory. But Sam Mullet of Bear Lake High School is rewriting the playbook—literally.
This week, the Detroit Lions named Mullet their High School Football Coach of the Week, recognizing her incredible leadership, commitment to her players, and outstanding on-field results. The Lakers’ dominant win over Mesick pushed their season record to 4-2, with a staggering 304 points scored in just six games, averaging over 50 points per game in 8-player Division 2 football.
From Bear Lake to NFL Internships
Mullet isn’t just breaking records on the scoreboard—she’s breaking barriers. In her third season as Bear Lake’s head coach, she became the first female in Michigan to lead either an 8-player or 11-player varsity football program. Her path to the head coaching position wasn’t conventional either: internships with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills, plus a stint as Director of Football Operations at Tift County High School in Georgia, have given her a unique perspective on the game.
“It’s been an unexpected journey,” Mullet shared during her interview with Detroit Lions Football Education. “I love 8-player football for its speed, strategy, and team dynamics. And I hope my journey inspires more girls and women to get involved in football.”
More Than Just a Win
The Detroit Lions High School Football Coach of the Week Program, presented by Carhartt, doesn’t just celebrate wins. It highlights coaches who emphasize player character, discipline, health, and safety, while fostering community and school spirit. Winners receive a $1,000 donation to their football program, and at the end of the season, the Coach of the Year earns $3,000. Since its launch 29 years ago, the program has contributed over $515,000 to Michigan high school football programs.
For Mullet, the award is more than recognition—it’s validation for a career that’s challenging norms while building champions on and off the field.
What’s Next for the Lakers
This Friday, Bear Lake heads to Brethren to face the Bobcats in their 10th all-time matchup. With Mullet at the helm, expect strategy, skill, and plenty of excitement. And no matter the scoreboard, one thing is clear: Sam Mullet is making history every time she steps onto the field.