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Arizona is filled with excellent high school football coaches, making it a tough task to cut a list to 10. This could go 50 strong. But here are The Republic's picks of the top coaches to see during the 2026 season. Vote in our poll below for the coach you think is No. 1. Print readers can find the poll with this story online at azcentral.com/sports/high-schools.
1. Chris McDonald, Chandler Basha
He's building what could be a dynasty. His Bears won the Open state title in 2022 and again in '25. His 2027 class might be the deepest in state history. He's had the golden touch since the Demond Williams Jr., quarterback era began.
2. Colin Thomas, Peoria Liberty
His teams are always in the thick of the Open state title race. He led the Lions to successive Open championships in 2023 and '24, before falling 19-16 to Basha in last year's state semifinals, finishing 10-2. Thomas likes to schedule tough out-of-state opponents to get his team ready for a state championship run.
3. Ty Wisdom, Chandler
He was one of the state's more underrated coaches during his days at Horizon, before he moved back to his home state of Nebraska and took Millard South to its first state championship since 2009. He returned to Arizona last year and guided Chandler to the Open state final before losing to Basha.
4. Travis Dixon, Chandler Hamilton
Dixon takes great pride in his Hamilton roots, having led the Huskies as a quarterback to their first two state championships. He had the Huskies on an incredible roll last year, before his team was upset by Chandler in the state semifinals. He's got another great team capable of scoring lots of points heading into this season.
5. Mike Sheahan, ScottsdaleChristian Academy
Sheahan has turned this 2A school into a juggernaut, winning state championships in his first three years as head coach. Quickly turning the Eagles into a dynasty, he's got another team quite capable of going all the way again in 2026.
6. Conrad Hamilton, Scottsdale Desert Mountain
The Wolves made history last season, capturing their first 5A championship under Hamilton, who gets the most out of his players with his motivational tactics. He's been able to get his teams knocking on the 5A championship door every year since he got there in 2019.
7. Joe Bushman, Queen Creek Casteel
In his first year leading the Colts, he took them to the 6A championship. He was a college coach before that. He had to wait halfway through the season for quarterback Tee Smith to become eligible. He's got Smith for a full season now, making the Colts a contender for more than a 6A title. He could take them deep into the Open.
8. Henri MacArthur, Goodyear Desert Edge
After the Carter twins — Marcus and Mark — left, there were concerns about whether Desert Edge could hold it together under assistant MacArthur. He proved he was up for the challenge, leading the Scorpions to the 5A title two years ago. He's now got a pipeline of Division I college football talent coming through the program.
9. Jay Campos, Tucson Mica Mountain
He took over the reins last year from Pat Nugent and led the Thunderbolts to a second straight 4A championship. Mica Mountain opened in 2020 and has a chance to roll up another state crown under Nugent, who finished state runner-up four times, leading Tucson Sabino.
10. John Estrada, Winkelman Hayden
He has led Hayden to three consecutive 1A, 8-man state football championships and a 36-game winning streak. The Lobos have what it takes to make it 48 wins in a row and fourth straight state championship this year, with Estrada pushing the buttons.
Others considered: Jeremy Hathcock, Gilbert Perry; Ryan Felker, Mesa; Kyle Enders, Mesa Red Mountain; Andy Litten, Mesa Mountain View; Andrew Taylor, Peoria Centennial; Chris Dixon II, Cave Creek Cactus Shadows; Brad Baca, Eagar Round Valley; Dalton Mills, Bagdad; Danny Norris, Benjamin Franklin-Queen Creek; Lamar Early, Goodyear Millennium; Marcus and Mark Carter (co-head coaches), Phoenix Maryvale; Jason Jewell, Phoenix Brophy Prep; B.J. Pasquel, Phoenix Arcadia; Brian Belles, Glendale Cactus; Brian Cole, Phoenix Cortez; Steve Campbell, Gilbert Williams Field; Eddy Zubey, Gilbert Higley; Brock Farrel, Gilbert Highland; Rich Edwards, ALA Queen Creek; Ty Detmer, ALA Gilbert North, Dana Zupke, Phoenix Pinnacle; Jon Roberts, Phoenix Mountain Pointe.
Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. He also covers Grand Canyon University athletics and the Arizona Rattlers. Please sign up for Azcentral Preps Now newsletter. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at [email protected] or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Vote. Top 10 Arizona high school football coaches in 2026
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The Republic's top 10 HS football coaches
1. Chris McDonald, Chandler Basha
He's building what could be a dynasty. His Bears won the Open state title in 2022 and again in '25. His 2027 class might be the deepest in state history. He's had the golden touch since the Demond Williams Jr., quarterback era began.
You must be registered for see images
2. Colin Thomas, Peoria Liberty
His teams are always in the thick of the Open state title race. He led the Lions to successive Open championships in 2023 and '24, before falling 19-16 to Basha in last year's state semifinals, finishing 10-2. Thomas likes to schedule tough out-of-state opponents to get his team ready for a state championship run.
You must be registered for see images
3. Ty Wisdom, Chandler
He was one of the state's more underrated coaches during his days at Horizon, before he moved back to his home state of Nebraska and took Millard South to its first state championship since 2009. He returned to Arizona last year and guided Chandler to the Open state final before losing to Basha.
You must be registered for see images
4. Travis Dixon, Chandler Hamilton
Dixon takes great pride in his Hamilton roots, having led the Huskies as a quarterback to their first two state championships. He had the Huskies on an incredible roll last year, before his team was upset by Chandler in the state semifinals. He's got another great team capable of scoring lots of points heading into this season.
You must be registered for see images
5. Mike Sheahan, ScottsdaleChristian Academy
Sheahan has turned this 2A school into a juggernaut, winning state championships in his first three years as head coach. Quickly turning the Eagles into a dynasty, he's got another team quite capable of going all the way again in 2026.
You must be registered for see images attach
6. Conrad Hamilton, Scottsdale Desert Mountain
The Wolves made history last season, capturing their first 5A championship under Hamilton, who gets the most out of his players with his motivational tactics. He's been able to get his teams knocking on the 5A championship door every year since he got there in 2019.
You must be registered for see images
7. Joe Bushman, Queen Creek Casteel
In his first year leading the Colts, he took them to the 6A championship. He was a college coach before that. He had to wait halfway through the season for quarterback Tee Smith to become eligible. He's got Smith for a full season now, making the Colts a contender for more than a 6A title. He could take them deep into the Open.
You must be registered for see images attach
8. Henri MacArthur, Goodyear Desert Edge
After the Carter twins — Marcus and Mark — left, there were concerns about whether Desert Edge could hold it together under assistant MacArthur. He proved he was up for the challenge, leading the Scorpions to the 5A title two years ago. He's now got a pipeline of Division I college football talent coming through the program.
You must be registered for see images attach
9. Jay Campos, Tucson Mica Mountain
He took over the reins last year from Pat Nugent and led the Thunderbolts to a second straight 4A championship. Mica Mountain opened in 2020 and has a chance to roll up another state crown under Nugent, who finished state runner-up four times, leading Tucson Sabino.
You must be registered for see images attach
10. John Estrada, Winkelman Hayden
He has led Hayden to three consecutive 1A, 8-man state football championships and a 36-game winning streak. The Lobos have what it takes to make it 48 wins in a row and fourth straight state championship this year, with Estrada pushing the buttons.
You must be registered for see images attach
Others considered: Jeremy Hathcock, Gilbert Perry; Ryan Felker, Mesa; Kyle Enders, Mesa Red Mountain; Andy Litten, Mesa Mountain View; Andrew Taylor, Peoria Centennial; Chris Dixon II, Cave Creek Cactus Shadows; Brad Baca, Eagar Round Valley; Dalton Mills, Bagdad; Danny Norris, Benjamin Franklin-Queen Creek; Lamar Early, Goodyear Millennium; Marcus and Mark Carter (co-head coaches), Phoenix Maryvale; Jason Jewell, Phoenix Brophy Prep; B.J. Pasquel, Phoenix Arcadia; Brian Belles, Glendale Cactus; Brian Cole, Phoenix Cortez; Steve Campbell, Gilbert Williams Field; Eddy Zubey, Gilbert Higley; Brock Farrel, Gilbert Highland; Rich Edwards, ALA Queen Creek; Ty Detmer, ALA Gilbert North, Dana Zupke, Phoenix Pinnacle; Jon Roberts, Phoenix Mountain Pointe.
Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. He also covers Grand Canyon University athletics and the Arizona Rattlers. Please sign up for Azcentral Preps Now newsletter. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at [email protected] or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Vote. Top 10 Arizona high school football coaches in 2026
Continue reading...
