Phillip Koons, a former principal and head football coach at Ringling High School, married Shelley Koons, and they have six children.
He met his wife at high school and calls her an angel and a saint.
Phillip Koons was at the center of a legal and community storm in Oklahoma for almost two years. He was charged with a misdemeanor, outraging public decency.
The Hall-of-Fame football coach and principal was accused of making players exercise naked and verbally abusing them between August 2021 and February 2023.
The case began in October 2023 when an Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) inquiry into allegations of verbal and physical abuse of student-athletes resulted in charges against Koons.
In January 2024, Koons pleaded no contest, and the presiding judge rejected the proposed plea agreement after hearing emotional victim impact statements.
By March 2024, Koons was permitted to withdraw his plea, and the stage was set for a trial by jury. However, the trial dates shifted repeatedly from February 2025 to September 2025.
The waiting ended abruptly on August 29, 2025. In a surprise decision, District Attorney Jason Hicks filed to dismiss the case with prejudice.
Hicks stated that the dismissal was in the furtherance of justice after reviewing the civil depositions.
This case started with a young person who got in trouble at school for making a threat of violence. He got suspended for those actions, and then his family turned around and tried to burn a man’s reputation down in the school.
Koons’ Attorney, Shelby Shelton
Phillip Koons’ Wife is the Foundation of his Legacy
Phillip Koons’ wife, Shelley Koons, provided the constant foundation of stability, love, and support that made his successful journey possible.
He describes his wife with the highest reverence.
Phillip calls Shelley an angel and a saint.
Their story began in high school, a classic romance that would become the bedrock of a large and loving family.
The coach is open about his challenging upbringing, having been raised in a rough area without a great home life. It was Shelley who took him out of the trenches.
Meeting her was a pivotal moment that inspired him to become a better man. He knew that if he wanted to have a good life, he would have to change his ways to keep Shelley.
Furthermore, his commitment led to marriage.
He converted to Catholicism and built their family, which includes their six children: Sterling, Tanner, Cooper, Carly, Molly, and Julius.
Phillip admits God has blessed him and his family. His wife and children are the best part of him.
Moreover, Phillip and Shelley’s lives have been a beautiful journey. Shelley has not only been a coach’s wife but has also become an integral part of his extended team.
We have six kids, and we always got to be involved in his work, and that’s what makes it so special, because he really thinks of those players as his family. They became part of our family. The players gave my kids someone to look up to all the time.
Shelley Koons
Shelley Koons Leads Ringling High Counseling
Shelley Koons’ role is just one part of her family’s long-standing commitment to the Ringling community.
The concept of a school family is a reality at Ringling High School, thanks to the deep roots of the Koons’ family within the district.
Shelley’s husband, Philip Koons, is a well-known figure at the school, having previously served as both the head football coach and the principal.
His leadership on the field and in the administration has left a lasting impact on generations of students.
The family’s involvement doesn’t stop there.
The Koons’ dedication to Ringling High runs through the entire football program. Their sons, Cooper and Sterling, have followed in their father’s footsteps, now serving as assistant coaches for the Blue Devils.
This multi-generational investment creates a unique and supportive environment for student-athletes.
Shelley provides a critical foundation of academic and personal support from her counseling office, with her husband and sons contributing to the school’s athletic success.
Her intimate understanding of the school’s culture and community, both as a professional and a parent, makes her an invaluable resource for students navigating their high school years.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Philip Koons was inducted into the Oklahoma Football Coaches Hall of Fame.
- He has spent more than 20 years coaching the Tuttle Tigers.
- As a football head coach, he has won three state championships in 2001, 2005, and 2019.
