Wakefield High School is pleased to announce the hiring of our new Varsity Head Football Coach Brian Slay. Coach Slay brings a strong background in coaching, teaching, and player development, along with a deep commitment to building student-athletes both on and off the field.
Coach Slay most recently served as the Head Football Coach at Oakton High School in Vienna, Virginia, where he provided leadership and oversight for the entire football program. In that role, he supervised coaching staff, guided player development across all levels, and managed the year-round operations of the program while emphasizing academic accountability, culture building, and community engagement.
Prior to his time at Oakton, Coach Slay served as Defensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach at McLean High School, where he developed the team’s defensive philosophy, coordinated game planning, and helped lead weekly preparation and in-game adjustments. His coaching experience also includes roles at Flint Hill School, John Champe High School, Cary High School, and Stone Bridge High School, where he worked with multiple position groups including defensive line, linebackers, and running backs. Across these programs, Coach Slay has built a reputation for strong player development, attention to fundamentals, and creating disciplined, competitive teams.
A former Division I scholarship athlete at North Carolina State University, Coach Slay played four years for the Wolfpack tallying over 1000 plays at NCAA DI football. His experience as a collegiate athlete helped shape the leadership, discipline, and football IQ that continue to define his coaching philosophy today.
Over the course of 14 years in high school football, Coach Slay has demonstrated a consistent ability to mentor and develop student-athletes. In 2023, his leadership contributed to the development of the District Defensive Player of the Year, highlighting his focus on preparation, fundamentals, and maximizing player potential.
In addition to his work on the field, Coach Slay brings five years of teaching experience in physical education and health, currently teaching Personal Fitness at Oakton High School. His background as an educator reinforces his belief that athletics are an extension of the classroom—providing opportunities to build character, accountability, and lifelong skills.
Please join us in welcoming Coach Brian Slay to the Wakefield High School community as we look forward to the leadership, energy, and experience he will bring to our student-athletes and football program.
If you are interested in joining the football program or learning more about the sport, please do not hesitate to reach out to Coach Slay via email at brian.slay@apsva.us. Coach Slay will hold a brief interest meeting this Tuesday, March 10, 2026 after school from 6:00pm-6:30pm in the library.
Go Warriors!
