Bill Belton, head football coach at Winslow Township High School in Atco, New Jersey, has been named the Philadelphia Eagles High School Coach of the Week. Belton, a former standout student-athlete at Winslow, was the first prep quarterback in New Jersey to achieve consecutive seasons with 2,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards. In his senior year, he threw for 2,167 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 1,003 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Belton attended Penn State on a scholarship where he played running back after starting as a wide receiver. Over his junior and senior years at Penn State, he accumulated 1,329 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns and caught 41 passes for 379 yards with three touchdowns.
After college, Belton aimed for a professional football career but ultimately returned to Winslow Township High School as offensive coordinator in 2020. Reflecting on his path back to coaching at his alma mater, Belton said: “At the time, I was coaching at a rival school, and they were like, ‘Why aren’t you coaching over here? You can always come back here.’ So I’m like, ‘You know what? Let’s talk after the season. We can get something figured out.’ And one thing led to another.”
He added: “Coaching is something that I felt like I was called to do. I felt like what led me back to where I’m from was something that was destined for my life. When I was playing, I always thought I was going to play for a long time and play in the NFL.
“But God had other plans for me. This is what He planned for my life and I’m thankful to be here. I’m just walking the path that was meant for me.”
Belton believes that his experience as a former player at Winslow helps him connect with current students: “It gives them knowledge or experience from someone that actually did it,” he said. “It’s not one of those things where we’re just sitting there telling them what to do. It’s something we did experience. We definitely walked the same hallways and understood what it’s like to be a student-athlete at Winslow. All the ins and outs. And our players are very receptive to that.”
As head coach since 2022, Belton led Winslow Township High School to its first New Jersey Group 4 State Championship last season with an undefeated record of 14-0.
“It was definitely a special moment for us,” said Belton. “And for myself, just from playing here and not being able to capture one as a player but getting one as a coach is definitely a great feeling.
“But last year is over with. We understand that we’re going to get everybody’s best shot. And know week in and week out, we’ve got to put our best foot forward and be the best team that we can.”
Belton credits lessons learned from former Penn State coaches Joe Paterno, Bill O’Brien, and James Franklin: “The biggest thing (I’m using from Coach Paterno) is just being on time. And if you’re on time, that means you’re early,” he said. “His biggest thing was, ‘Alright, we have a team meeting at 3 o’clock and that means being there at 2:55 ready for the meeting.’ So that’s the biggest thing, just teaching the kids to be on time and be professional. I learned that from every staff I was with.
“Bill O’Brien was the same way about carrying yourself a certain way and handling your business a certain way. So was Coach Franklin. And the biggest thing about Coach Franklin that I’ve kind of taken here is just being a guy that can talk to his players and have relationships with those dudes. Be the best coach I can be for these guys. Who they need.”
On receiving recognition from the Philadelphia Eagles organization as Coach of the Week, Belton stated: “That means a lot to be honest with you. When I got an email saying that I’ve been nominated and all those things, it was a great feeling. One, because my girlfriend’s a huge Eagle fan,” Belton laughed. “But for myself, it just lets me know that I’m on the right track, doing the right things, and reaching kids and making sure that they are doing something with their lives. Getting better at football and becoming better people.”
This season Winslow challenged itself by facing two nationally recognized programs—Bergen Catholic High School of Oradell (NJ) and IMG Academy from Bradenton (FL), which ranked fourth nationally when they played during August’s Battle at the Beach Football Classic in Ocean City (NJ). The event provided valuable exposure despite losses.
“It was put together by the people of the West Jersey Football League and was a cool experience,” Belton said.”All of our guys had a great time playing in it.We didn’t come out with the win,but it was definitely great exposure for our school , putting us on a level that we’ve never been on .
“This is our first year where we took two national games , so we’re hoping to kind of continue that going forwardand start winning those national games .”
With their latest victory against Millville improving their record this season to three wins against two losses,Belton reflected on what brings him fulfillment:”It’sa great feeling.Just seeing them go out thereand flourishin th e things t hat we’re tryingto teach themis afeeling that’snot describable ,”he said.”Andjust impacting kidsand getting theminto schools.I would say that’sthe most fun partfor me.Winning gamesis fun,butI like seeingthem go offand fulfilltheir dreams .That’sthe best partfor me .”
Winslow Athletic Director Tyshema Lane commented:”What makes Coach Belton stand outis th e culturehe has built.Underhis direction , effort , resilience,and heartare non-negotiable.These valueshave not only kept his players prepared,but have also given themthe confidence torise upand meet challenges head-on .
“He has not only elevated his program but also given his playersand communitya reason tob e proud.His impact goes far beyond winsand losses;it’saboutthe character,resilience,and unityhe instillsineveryone aroundhim .”
