Full Breakdown
Denver Broncos Honor High School Coaches of the Week: Spotlight on Bret McGatlin and Joshua Newman
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Weekly Coach Honors
The Denver Broncos announced their 2026 high-school Coach of the Week selections, naming Bret McGatlin of Denver Christian High School (tackle football) and Joshua Newman of Green Mountain High School (flag football). The program, now in its seventh week for flag coaches and fifth for tackle coaches, will honor ten coaches in each category and name a Coach of the Year at season’s end.
Background & Context
Since its inception, the weekly award has highlighted outstanding Colorado high-school coaches. This year the Broncos partnered with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) to name an officiating crew of the month, expanding the focus to game-management standards.
Key Figures & Groups
- Bret McGatlin – Head coach, Denver Christian; former head coach at Chatfield (2006-2021) and Valor Christian (2022-2024).
- Joshua Newman – Head flag-football coach, Green Mountain; former girls-basketball coach at Alameda and North High Schools.
- Don McGatlin – Former Green Mountain head coach, two state championships; Bret’s father.
- Ric Cash – Defensive coordinator, Denver Christian; 19-year head coach at Mountain Vista.
- Gary Anderson – Assistant coach, Denver Christian; former head coach at D’Evelyn.
Coaching Philosophies & Season Updates
McGatlin described a three-dimensional approach stressing fundamentals, confidence and cohesion, noting the Broncos’ 6-0 start reflects “bigger, faster, and smarter” athletes. Newman emphasized a “no negativity” rule and enjoyment, citing rapid growth of girls’ flag football, now among the ten most-played girls’ sports nationally. Both coaches said their teams are preparing for postseason challenges; McGatlin sees Denver Christian as a playoff contender, while Newman views the upcoming game against Arvada West as a test of playoff readiness.
Data & Statistics
- Denver Christian is 6-0 entering week seven.
- McGatlin’s Chatfield tenure produced a state championship in 2021.
- Girls’ flag-football ranks 10th most-played nationwide (Newman).
- Green Mountain’s senior quarterback Savannah Plumley leads the offense; receiver Marissa VanGuilder has earned all-state honors two years running.
Official Statements & Responses
The Broncos’ announcement confirmed the Coach of the Week structure, the ten-coach per-sport honor roll, and the season-end Coach of the Year selection. It also highlighted the NFHS partnership to recognize an officiating crew each month.
Why It Matters / Impact
Recognizing high-school coaches underscores the role of mentorship in youth sports and spotlights the rise of girls’ flag football, encouraging broader participation and investment.
What’s Next
McGatlin said Denver Christian will aim for a playoff victory, scheduling conditioning and film sessions around a 13-day break before the next game. Newman’s Green Mountain will face Arvada West in the final regular-season matchup before focusing on confidence heading into the postseason. Both programs expect the Broncos’ recognition to aid recruiting and community support as they pursue championships.