Stoneman Douglas coach nominated for NFL honor

The Miami Dolphins selected beloved Marjory Stoneman Douglas High assistant football coach Aaron Feis as their nominee for the Don Shula NFL high school coach of the year award.

Each of the 32 NFL teams nominated a local high school coach for the honor, which will be awarded during the Pro Bowl in Orlando on Jan. 27. The nominees were announced by the NFL on Wednesday.

Feis, who was an offensive line coach and school security guard, has been remembered as a hero after he tragically lost his life protecting Douglas students during the mass shooting at the school on Feb. 14. He was one of 17 people killed during the incident. He was 37.

Feis played a significant role for the Douglas football team, having a hand in football operations and college recruiting. He was also the school’s junior varsity football coach for eight years, according to his bio on the football team’s website.

Feis, who lived in Coral Springs, played center for the Eagles from 1995-98. He graduated in 1999 and returned to his alma mater as a coach in 2002.

The award is named after former Dolphins coaching great Don Shula, the winningest coach in NFL history. It commemorates local coaches for their character and integrity, leadership, dedication to the community, commitment to player health and safety and onfield success.

Feis will be represented by his wife Melissa, daughter Arielle and Douglas football coach Willis May when award nominees will be honored during the week of the Pro Bowl.

Two finalists will each receive $15,000 from the NFL Foundation, $10,000 of which will go to their high school's football program. They will also attend Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta as special guests of the NFL.

“We are honored to celebrate the 32 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year nominees, as each embodies the integrity, commitment and character of Coach Shula,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “High school football coaches not only serve as leaders, but as role models dedicated to shaping the lives of young high school players on and off-the-field.”