Metro Select Saints' Coach Derek Frye Named VISA NFL FLAG Coach of the Year

When the Metro Select Saints clinched the Boys 15U title at the NFL FLAG Championships Presented by Toyota, it wasn’t just a victory for the team—it was also a proud moment for their assistant coach, Derek Frye. Recently honored as the Visa NFL FLAG Coach of the Year, Coach Frye’s impact on the team’s success is clear.

"These guys have been playing flag football since they were little kids," Frye shared. "They know how to methodically move the ball and execute our game plan." His belief in their abilities and the system he’s helped build has been a driving force behind their success.

Receiving the Coach of the Year award is a significant milestone for Frye, but he remains humble and focused on his team’s accomplishments. "Being named Coach of the Year among so many talented coaches is truly special," Frye said. "The real credit goes to the players. They’ve made me look good over the years. I always tell other coaches that having great players is the key to success."

One aspect that also sets the Metro Select team apart is that they don’t hold regular practice sessions. Instead, they rely on video sessions and their deep understanding of football. "We don’t practice in the traditional sense," Frye explained. "They come together on game day and just make it happen because they know the game inside and out."

The NFL FLAG Championships in Canton, Ohio, was a weekend filled with energy and excitement. With over 240 teams competing, the event highlighted the best of youth flag football. NFL vice president Stephanie Kwok captured the essence of the weekend, saying, "It was everything we hoped for and more. The energy from the teams, parents, and coaches was incredible."

Coach Derek Frye’s recognition as Coach of the Year and the Metro Select Saints’ championship win are a perfect reflection of a season marked by dedication, teamwork, and exceptional coaching.