For Brian Short, head football coach at Central Community High School, the measure of success isn’t just wins and losses—it’s about relationships, character, and love. In his 19th year at Central, Brian has built more than a football program; he’s cultivated a culture of inclusivity, connection, and community that extends far beyond the field.

Hired in 2006 as a health and physical education teacher, Brian quickly immersed himself in Central’s culture. “From the moment I stepped onto campus, I knew this was where I wanted to be,” he recalls. “There’s something special about this place—the people, the spirit, the sense of family.”

Brian’s journey to head coach was swift but meaningful. After serving as an assistant coach for just one year, he was given the reins at the age of 24, with limited experience but an abundance of passion. “I didn’t know everything, but I knew I loved this school and this team,” he says. “I wanted to hit the ground running and make an impact.”

And impact he has. Under Brian’s leadership, Central Football has grown into a program defined not just by its achievements on the scoreboard but by the bonds it fosters among players, coaches, families, and the community.

A turning point came after the 2019 season, when Brian reevaluated the team’s culture. Inspired by books like The Energy Bus and The Power of a Positive Leader by Jon Gordon, he shifted the program’s focus to three core values: inclusion, elevation, and love.

“Inclusion means there’s a place for everyone,” Brian explains. “Whether you’re a starter, a role player, or a student assistant flying the practice drone, you have value. It’s about what you can do, not what you can’t.”

“Elevation is about lifting others up,” he continues. “If your behavior isn’t helping someone else grow, it doesn’t belong in this program. When you elevate others, you elevate yourself.”

But it’s love that lies at the heart of Brian’s philosophy. Inspired by stories like that of Ernie Johnson, the beloved sports analyst who shared his family’s journey of love and resilience, Brian introduced a new symbol to the team: the “I love you” sign.

“We used to hold up four fingers in the fourth quarter to symbolize hard work,” Brian says. “Now we hold up the ‘I love you’ sign. It’s a reminder that our love for each other is what makes us strong.”

This message resonated deeply during a heartbreaking loss to Mount Zion in the playoffs, where Brian delivered a postgame talk that emphasized love over disappointment. “That speech was supposed to be a rallying cry for a win,” he admits. “But it turned out to be the perfect message for the moment. I wanted the players to understand that the love we’ve built in this program is what makes it special.”

Brian’s commitment to his players extends far beyond the field. His wife and three children are part of the football family, often joining him on the sidelines. “My kids adore our players,” he says. “They’ve built relationships with them that will last a lifetime. It’s a beautiful thing to see.”

For Brian, the success of Central Football isn’t measured in championships but in the character of the young men who graduate from the program. “Football is a tool to teach life lessons,” he says. “It’s about preparing these kids to be better people, better teammates, and better members of their community.”

Looking ahead, Brian is focused on continuing to build a program rooted in love and inclusion. “Every team has its own motto, but our underlying message will always be the same: include, elevate, and love,” he says. “That’s what makes Central Football special.”

As Brian reflects on nearly two decades at Central, his passion for the school and its community is evident. “I’ve lived here longer than anywhere else,” he says. “This is home. And I’m proud to be part of something so meaningful.”