Nobles Earns AFCA Region Coach of the Year Honors

Kaleb Nobles Named AFCA Region two Coach of the Year After Historic UWF Season

A remarkable season for the University of West Florida (UWF) football program culminated in Head Coach kaleb Nobles being recognized as the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Region Two Coach of the Year.The announcement, made on November 25, 2025, underscores a period of unprecedented success for the Argos, who have rapidly established themselves as a force in NCAA Division II football.

A Season of Firsts for the Argos

The 2025 season marked a turning point for UWF football. Under Nobles’ leadership, the team achieved a 9-1 regular season record, securing a No. 2 seed in Super Region Two for the NCAA postseason. This was fueled by the program’s best-ever start, a flawless 9-0 run that captivated fans and garnered national attention.

The Argos’ success wasn’t simply about avoiding defeat; it was about consistently overcoming formidable opponents. During their winning streak, UWF demonstrated it’s ability too compete with the nation’s best, securing victories against three nationally ranked teams: No. 14 Lenoir-Rhyne, No. 8 West Alabama,and No. 15 Delta State. This challenging schedule propelled UWF to a No. 3 national ranking, a position they maintained for much of the season.

Did you know? – The AFCA has been recognizing football coaches since 1935, initially honoring coaches in all divisions. The regional awards were added later to provide more focused recognition.

Playoff Victory and AFCA Recognition

Nobles’ coaching prowess was further validated with a decisive 43-19 victory over North Greenville in the first round of the NCAA Division II championships last week. This marked Nobles’ first career playoff win, a notable milestone in his burgeoning career.

The AFCA’s Coach of the Year awards recognize excellence at all levels of collegiate football. The Association honors five regional winners across its five divisions – Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III, and NAIA. Winners are selected through a vote by active members of the AFCA within their respective regions and divisions,ensuring a peer-reviewed assessment of coaching achievement.

Pro tip: – UWF’s success is attributed to Nobles’ emphasis on a strong running game and a disruptive defensive line, creating a balanced and effective team.

Looking Ahead: A Championship Pursuit

The season is far from over for Nobles and the Argos. They will continue their championship pursuit on Saturday, November 29, when they host No. 3 Newberry at PenAir Field at 1 p.m. The upcoming game promises to be a thrilling contest, pitting two of the nation’s top Division II programs against each other.

Why: Kaleb Nobles was named the AFCA Region two Coach of the Year due to leading the University of West Florida (UWF) football team to a historic season.
Who: Kaleb Nobles, Head Coach of UWF, was honored by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). The UWF Argos team also played a key role.
What: UWF achieved a 9-1 regular season record, a No. 3 national ranking, and a first-round playoff victory. Nobles secured his first career playoff win.
How: Nobles led the team to a 9-0 start, defeating three nationally ranked opponents, and ultimately winning their first-round playoff game against North Greenville 43-19. The season ended with a playoff appearance and a chance to continue their championship pursuit against Newberry on November 29th.