East Rutherford, NJ – The New York Giants have selected Coach John Tierney of Pinelands High School in Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ as the High School Girls Flag Football Coach of the Week for week 1 of the 2026 season. Coach Tierney's passion for coaching has been on display from day one and it has led to success on the field, the development of his student athletes and high school girls flag football becoming a sanctioned sport in New Jersey. As one of the first girls flag football coaches in the Shore Conference, his leadership and ambition have not only resulted in multiple division championships, but it has also sparked excitement within the Shore Conference where there are now over 27 high schools offering girls flag football. During this most recent spring season, Tierney led his team to an 8-3 record while outscoring opponents 245-54 including 6 shut out wins. Their defense was one of the best in the conference securing them a 6th overall seed in the Shore Conference Tournament where they opened with a 25-6 win over New Egypt High School and ultimately fell to the Shore Conference runner-up Middletown South. Their dominance within the conference continues to be enforced year after year as they are always considered one of the teams to beat in the south division.
The High School Girls Flag Football Coach of the Year Award is part of the Giants' continuing effort to support local high school flag football programs. The Coach of the Year selection is based on the coach's continuing commitment towards promoting youth football, developing motivated student-athletes, and contributing overall to their community. The Giants also select a coach each week during the high school girls flag football season as their Coach of the Week winner.
In recognition of Coach Tierney selection as Coach of the Year, a $4,000 check from The Giants Foundation will be given to the Pinelands High School girls flag football program. Coach Tierney will also receive a certificate of recognition signed by Giants Head Coach John Harbaugh and will be honored at a 2026 Giants preseason home game. Teirney will also be the Giants' nominee for the NFL's High School Flag Football Coach of the Year Award.
Tierney played high school football at Mater Dei High School and was a four-year starter on the offensive line at Towson University in college. He also serves as head coach of Pinelands High School boys tackle team and has been an avid supporter and pivotal leader in the growth of girls flag football in the Shore Conference.
As the flag football head coach, he started a program which has turned into a premier Shore Conference powerhouse. Over a remarkable six-year stretch, he has compiled an incredible 51-14 career record. This includes a dominant multi-year run where he guided his athletes to three consecutive division championships. This number reflects not only his tactical intelligence but further his deep commitment to excellence. His coaching style inspires his athletes to believe in themselves regardless of the circumstances and that confidence translates into the classroom, community and on the field. His athletes serve as role models within the community and inspire the next generation of flag football players including the junior varsity and youth teams in town. The outcome of his impact has resulted in Shore Conference defensive players of the year, Pinelands athletes participating in the annual Phil Simms New Jersey North South Flag Football game and student-athletes continuing their flag football career in college.
Additionally, Tierney was recognized as the Shore Conference Football Coach of the Year in his first season as head coach, after leading the Wildcats to their first winning season in 20 years. Beyond his coaching duties, Tierney is a special education math teacher at Pinelands High School. A lifelong Giants fan, he lives in Bayville, NJ, with his wife Kathy and their four kids: Olivia, Sean, Brooke, and Liam.
"John Tierney does not just coach football; he creates future leaders, said Mary Colleen Foley, Athletics Supervisor / Supervisor of Health and Physical Education at Pinelands Regional High School. "He embodies the philosophy that sports should build character, confidence, and lifelong skills. He ensures that the F.A.M.I.L.Y. mantra is at the center of all his decisions. He protects his players, advocates for their growth, and ensures every athlete feels valued. Pinelands HS is honored to have Coach Tierney on our staff, we are incredibly grateful for his time, energy, and dedication."
2026 New York Giants High School Girls Flag Football Coach of the Week Winners:
Week 1- Michael Ford, Susquehanna Valley High School, Conklin, NY
Week 2- Derrick Sheets, Manchester High School, Manchester, CT
Week 3- Leigh Stevens, Shaker High School, Latham, NY
Week 4- Mike Rescigno, Yorktown High School, Yorktown Heights, NY
Week 5- Kelli Hudson, Keansburg High School, Keansburg, NJ
Week 6- Thomas Tetreault, Beekmantown High School, West Chazy, NY
Week 7- David Shaw, Waverly High School, Waverly, NY
Week 8- Jose Ramos, East Windsor High School, East Windsor, CT
Week 9- Lowell Robinson, Westlake High School, Thornwood, NY
Week 10- Andy Gonzalez, Catskill High School, Catskill, NY
Coach of the Year- John Tierney, Pinelands High School, Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ
