After years of knocking on the door, Charles Rathbone and the Page Patriots finally kicked it down.
Following four consecutive runner-up finishes, Rathbone led Page High School to an undefeated season and the program’s first-ever state championship, taking down Sevier County in the TSSAA Class 5A title game. That breakthrough moment didn’t just bring a trophy back to Williamson County - it also earned Rathbone the honor of being named the Tennessee Titans’ 2025 High School Coach of the Year.
And make no mistake, this wasn’t just about wins and losses. Rathbone’s recognition speaks to the full picture - the culture he’s built, the consistency he’s maintained, and the way he’s poured into his players and community for over two decades.
“Coach Rathbone represents everything the Don Shula Coach of the Year Award stands for,” said Titans Vice President of Cause Marketing Josh Corey. “Character, integrity, leadership, and a deep commitment to his players and community.”
That commitment has been evident for years. Rathbone first joined the Page staff as an assistant back in 2001, serving in that role for a decade before taking over as head coach. Now in his 13th season at the helm, he’s turned Page into a perennial contender - and finally, a champion.
Five straight trips to the championship stage is no small feat. But to stay the course after four straight heartbreaks, and then finish the job? That’s a testament to resilience, belief, and a program built the right way.
As part of the Coach of the Year honor, Rathbone receives a $3,000 grant from the Titans and the NFL, which can be used for both personal development and to support the football program. He’s also now in the running for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award - a national honor that will be announced in January. One coach from each conference will be selected, with each receiving over $25,000 in grant funding.
The Titans’ Coach of the Year award is the culmination of their season-long High School Coach of the Week program, which celebrates coaches across the state making an impact on and off the field. Each weekly winner received a $1,500 grant to benefit their school’s football program.
All 11 coaches - the 10 weekly winners and Rathbone - will be honored during the Titans’ Dec. 28 game against the New Orleans Saints at Nissan Stadium.
Here’s a look at the full list of 2025 Coach of the Week honorees:
- Arcentae Broome, Antioch High School
- Jeff Brothers, Nashville Christian School
- Major Wright, Memphis Central High School
- Justin Price, Grace Christian Knoxville
- Chase Brooks, East Robertson High School
- Jerome Griffin, Southwind High School
- Erik Kimrey, Baylor School
- Chris Simpson, Maplewood High School
- Spencer Riley, Jefferson County High School
- Isaac Shelby, Clarksville High School
- Davey Gillum, Anderson County High School
Each of these coaches brought something special to their programs this season - whether it was a turnaround year, sustained success, or leading their teams through adversity. And together, they represent the kind of leadership that shapes young athletes far beyond the scoreboard.
But this year, it’s Rathbone’s moment. After years of building and believing, he and his team reached the mountaintop - and the state is taking notice.