New Mexico High School Football: 2025 Coach of the Year

Joey Fernandez continues to redefine what is possible. The longtime St. Michael’s head coach, now in his 23rd year leading the Horsemen, has been named the 2025 New Mexico High School Football Coach of the Year, an honor reserved for the best coach in the state regardless of class. And truthfully, no one came close.

Fernandez guided St. Michael’s to a flawless 13-0 season, a third straight 3A state championship, and extended the program’s remarkable 33-game win streak, the longest active run in New Mexico. In an era year-to-year unpredictability, the Horsemen have done the opposite under Fernandez—becoming the model of stability, discipline, and excellence. This year’s title marks the school’s eighth state championship, tying them for 10th all-time in New Mexico history, and their 17th appearance in a championship game.

For Fernandez himself, it represents his sixth state championship as a head coach, adding to a resume that has already cemented his place among the all-time greats. His 217 career wins (217–71) rank fourth in New Mexico history, trailing only legends Eric Roanhaus (343), Bill Gentry (245), and Cooper Henderson (238)—all retired. That makes Fernandez the winningest active head coach in the state, and there is no indication he is slowing down.

This season may have been his most complete coaching performance yet. St. Michael’s didn’t just win—they dominated, posting a 558–92 scoring margin, pitching five shutouts, and never allowing more than 21 points in a game. Their consistency was staggering: 7-0 at home, 5-0 on the road, 1-0 on a neutral field, and a perfect 4-0 in district play en route to another District 2-3A championship.

The playoff run was a reflection of Fernandez’s trademark traits—preparation, structure, and the confidence to win big games. St. Michael’s dispatched Robertson twice, handled NMMI in the semifinals, and outlasted Dexter 28-21 in a hard-fought state championship battle to secure the three-peat. The Horsemen won every playoff game by at least 13 points until the final, proving capable of both dominance and resilience when it mattered most.

Fernandez’s impact extends beyond the scoreboards and record books. Since taking over in 2002, he has built St. Michael’s into one of New Mexico’s true football institutions. The Horsemen play with the calmness of a team that expects to win, and that confidence stems directly from their head coach.

In the end, this award is not just about one season. It is the culmination of more than two decades of excellence, leadership, and unmatched consistency. The 33-game win streak. The six state championships. The 217 victories. The three-peat. The dynasty that refuses to fade.

In 2025, New Mexico high school football once again belonged to St. Michael’s.

And St. Michael’s still belongs to Joey Fernandez, the 2025 New Mexico Coach of the Year.