By Sunday 
Football fields across Michigan have seen countless moments of grit and glory — but few stories shine quite like Sam Mullet’s. The Bear Lake High School head coach is breaking barriers, stacking wins, and proving that leadership knows no limits.
A Trailblazer on the Sidelines
This week, the Detroit Lions named Sam Mullet their High School Football Coach of the Week, presented by Carhartt — a fitting honor for a coach rewriting the playbook for what success looks like in high school football.
Mullet’s Bear Lake Lakers absolutely dominated Mesick, 56–8, improving to 4–2 on the season. Through six games, the Lakers have racked up 304 points, averaging an eye-popping 50.7 points per game in 8-player Division 2 football. That’s not just impressive — it’s jaw-dropping.
Breaking Barriers, Building Legends
Now in her third season as head coach and eighth overall coaching, Mullet made Michigan history as the first female to lead an 8-player or 11-player varsity football program in the state. She’s not just leading her team — she’s blazing a trail for others to follow.
Her resume is as sharp as her play-calling: internships with the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills, and a stint as Director of Football Operations at Tift County High in Georgia. For a small-town coach, those experiences show the heart of a competitor who’s seen football at every level — and brought that fire back home.
More Than Just Wins
Beyond the scoreboard, Mullet represents what the Lions’ Coach of the Week program celebrates — commitment, character, and community. She’s known for instilling discipline, emphasizing safety, and developing not just athletes, but people.
Each weekly winner receives a $1,000 donation to their school’s football program, courtesy of the Detroit Lions, NFL Foundation, and Carhartt. At season’s end, one will be crowned Coach of the Year — with an additional $3,000 donation.
As of 2025, the Lions have poured over $515,000 into Michigan high school football — investing in the next generation of leaders, both on and off the field.
A Coach Worth Watching
Mullet’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and inspiration — a reminder that football’s toughest battles aren’t always on the field. As Bear Lake prepares to face Brethren this Friday in their 10th all-time meeting, there’s little doubt that Coach Mullet and her Lakers will bring the same energy, heart, and history-making drive that got them here.
Because when passion meets purpose, even the game changes.