Ludington, MI – October 14, 2025
The Detroit Lions have announced that Charlie Gunsell, head coach of the Ludington Orioles, has been named the Detroit Lions High School Football Coach of the Week for Week #7 of the 2025 season, presented by Carhartt. The honor recognizes Gunsell’s leadership, impact on student-athletes, and outstanding achievements both on and off the field.
Gunsell earned the recognition following Ludington’s impressive 32–7 victory over Whitehall during the school’s Homecoming game. The win advanced the Orioles to a 7–0 record, marking their best season start since 1989. The victory was also a personal milestone for Gunsell—it marked the 100th win of his coaching career.
Now ranked No. 9 in Division 4, Ludington has secured at least a share of the West Michigan Conference Lakes Division title, further cementing the historic momentum of the program under Gunsell’s leadership.
This season marks Gunsell’s 27th year coaching high school football at Ludington and his 22nd year as head coach. Earlier this year, he announced that he will step down at the conclusion of the season, making this recognition a meaningful capstone to a remarkable coaching legacy. Under his guidance, Ludington has qualified for the state playoffs in seven of the last 10 seasons, building a strong tradition of competitive football rooted in discipline, hard work, and integrity.
One of the most memorable aspects of Gunsell’s career has been the opportunity to coach alongside his oldest son, now a member of his staff. In his interview with Detroit Lions Football Education, Gunsell reflected on coaching generations of Ludington athletes, calling it “a privilege to mentor young men and help shape not just players, but people.”
The Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Week program, now in its 29th year, recognizes Michigan high school football coaches who demonstrate exceptional coaching leadership, dedication to player safety, and commitment to their school community. Each weekly winner receives:
- $1,000 donation to their school’s football program
- Coach of the Week certificate signed by Lions head coach Dan Campbell and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
At the end of the season, one of the weekly honorees will be selected as the Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Year, earning an additional $3,000 donation for their football program.
The Orioles will travel to Muskegon on Friday, October 17, to face the Orchard View Cardinals (4–3) in the 55th all-time meeting between the two teams. With a historic season unfolding and postseason aspirations ahead, Gunsell and the Orioles are focused on finishing strong.
Gunsell’s selection is especially meaningful for the West Michigan high school football community, as Detroit Lions Coach of the Week honors are typically dominated by coaches from larger metro areas across the state. It’s rare for a coach from the Muskegon or Lakeshore region to earn the recognition.
In fact, Muskegon’s own Shane Fairfield was one of the few recent honorees from the area, earning the award in 2024. Gunsell now joins that short but distinguished list of West Michigan coaches recognized at the state level for excellence in leadership and program impact.
For more on the Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Week program, visit:
https://www.detroitlions.com/football-education/coach-of-the-week
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