Coach Cody Hilburn named 25-26 NFHS MSHSAA Football Coach of the Year
Updated: Oct 13
A state championship season has brought another significant honor to Seneca High School. Head Football Coach Cody Hilburn has been named Missouri’s 2025–26 NFHS/MSHSAA Football Coach of the Year, recognizing his leadership of the Indians and his commitment to high school athletics.
The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) announced the award on Monday, October 12, 2026. The organizations recognize one coach in each sport across Missouri with the statewide honor, celebrating individuals who demonstrate a lasting commitment to the ideals of interscholastic sports.
A Championship Season for the Indians
Hilburn led Seneca to the Class 3 state championship and a 13-1 record during the 2025 season, adding another milestone to the program’s history.
The Indians paired their championship finish with impressive performances throughout the season. Seneca averaged 46.9 points per game, winning its games by an average margin of 28.7 points. Individual recognition followed the team’s success, with Seneca earning 10 All-State honorees, including Hilburn.
Those accomplishments made the season memorable for the players, coaches, families and fans who supported the Indians along the way.
Sustained Success and a Broader Impact
Since taking over the program ahead of the 2021 season, Hilburn has guided Seneca to a 63-12 overall record and three consecutive state championship appearances. That record reflects success sustained across multiple seasons and groups of student-athletes.
The Coach of the Year award also recognizes the importance of a coach’s influence beyond the scoreboard. In the announcement, MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Rukstad highlighted the role coaches play in helping students develop through school activities.
“Their impact extends far beyond wins and losses, helping student-athletes grow as competitors, teammates and young people,” Rukstad said.
For Seneca, Hilburn’s selection is an opportunity to celebrate both the achievements of the football program and the leadership behind them.
The Seneca R-7 School District congratulates Coach Hilburn on this well-deserved statewide recognition and thanks him for his dedication to our student-athletes and school community.
