One of Alaska’s most successful high school football coaches is calling it a career. After 26 years on the sidelines, longtime Fairbanks coach David DeVaughn has officially retired following the 2025 season with West Valley High School, closing a career that produced 152 wins and five state championships.

“I toyed with the idea last year and just wasn’t good with it the way we ended up,” DeVaughn said. “I wanted to give her one more try, but went into this season knowing that this was going to be it.”

DeVaughn said he plans to teach one more year before fully retiring but hopes to stay involved in the game that shaped his life.

“I don’t think I’ll be done with football,” DeVaughn said. “Down the road I might look to help somebody but I just want to take a step back, take a breath, do so

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