Coach Mike Shields

Coach Mike Shields

In Loving Memory of Coach Michael Scott Shields
August 23, 1966 – July 15, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Coach Mike Shields, a devoted family man, respected coach, and cherished friend, who died on July 15, 2025, after a courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma. He was 58 years old.

Mike Shields was born on August 23, 1966, in Dallas, Texas. He graduated from Reicher Catholic High School in 1984 and went on to attend Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where he played football and built lifelong friendships. He later earned his MBA from Baylor University, furthering his education and professional goals. It was at Southeastern that he met his best friend and biggest supporter, Maria, and the two were married on August 4, 1990. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised three amazing children—Sierra, Colton, and Parker.

Mike devoted 30 years to coaching football at several schools, including Reicher, Italy, Hillsboro, Red Oak, Terrell and McGregor High Schools, where he inspired countless players and built a lasting legacy. Coach Shields dedicated his life to the game of football—not just for the love of the sport, but for the opportunity it gave him to shape the lives of young men on and off the field. Over his career, he became more than a coach; he was a leader, a father figure, and a pillar of the community. Under his guidance, teams didn’t just win games—they learned the value of discipline, resilience, and teamwork.

A fierce competitor with a soft heart, Coach Shields never let his illness define him. Despite the challenges he faced, his commitment to leading his family and working hard to provide for them never faltered. His strength, humility, and unwavering faith inspired all who knew him.

Off the field, Coach Shields was a devoted husband/father/son/brother, cherished by his family and adored by generations of athletes and coaches whose lives he touched. His legacy will live on in every athlete who heard his encouragement, every team that rallied under his leadership, and every person lucky enough to call him a friend.

He is preceded in death by his father, Gene Shields. He is survived by his devoted wife of 34 years, Maria Shields; his children, Sierra, Colton, and Parker Shields; his mother, Juanita Shields; and his brothers, Hal, Steve, and Mark Shields, along with their wives. He also leaves behind seven nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at St. Luis Catholic Church. Visitation will take place on Monday, July 21st, from 6 to 8 p.m., followed by a Rosary on Tuesday, July 22nd, at 9:30 a.m., and a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. The family thanks everyone for their love and support during this time.

Rest in peace, Coach Shields. Your impact lives far beyond the scoreboard.

Pallbearers will be Colton Shields, John Bolfing, Greg Cranfill, Bryan Erwin, Morris Sloan, Johnny Johnson, Jeff Burgess,, and David Young.