Milford High kicks off football season with new coach, high expectations

Football coach milford

MILFORD — The Milford High School football program is entering the 2025 season with revitalized energy and a clear focus on pushing forward after last year’s success.

Leading the charge is Rod Milstead, a former NFL offensive lineman and Delaware State University alum whose professional and collegiate accomplishments are already inspiring at Milford practices.

Milstead enjoyed an eight-year NFL career after being selected in the fifth round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. His pro journey included stops with the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Redskins. A highlight of his career was winning Super Bowl XXIX with the 49ers in 1995. Across six seasons, Milstead appeared in 56 NFL games and made 23 starts.

His championship pedigree and time spent mentoring younger players in pro settings have already resonated with the Buccaneers. His presence brings a wealth of insight from playing at the highest level, which he is now channeling into his coaching.

“This is about more than just wins and losses,” Milstead said. “It’s about building young men who are accountable, disciplined and ready to succeed in life. The wins will come when we focus on doing the little things right.”

Milford is coming off its first winning season since 2017, and Milstead is determined to raise the bar. Key objectives this season include strengthening locker room unity, developing younger athletes, rising in the conference standings, and rallying the community behind #BucPride.

The Buccaneers will continue preseason play Aug. 15 at Milford High School during Scrimmage Play Day, followed by another tune-up Aug. 20 against Tower Hill at Briggs Stadium. The regular season opens Sept. 5 at home vs. Conrad School.

Milstead said these final preseason matchups will be an important test. “We’re going to measure ourselves not just by the scoreboard, but by our effort, execution and how we pick each other up when things get tough,” he said.

Community engagement is also high on the agenda. The team is rallying families, alumni and local businesses to fill the stands, join booster efforts, and promote #BucPride throughout the season.

“Football is a community sport,” Milstead said. “When our kids see a packed stadium and know their town is behind them, it makes all the difference.”