Hutchinson (KS) Hires Luke Berblinger as Head Football Coach

Berblinger, a former Emporia State player, takes over a Salthawks program that has won 7+ games in 4 straight seasons.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Hutchinson High School in Kansas has hired Luke Berblinger, a former assistant coach at Southeast Missouri State University, as their new head football coach. Berblinger, who is from the Hutchinson community, is taking over a Salthawks program that has seen success in recent years, reaching the playoffs in 4 straight seasons.

Why it matters

Hutchinson High School is one of the top football programs in Kansas, and this hire represents an opportunity for the team to continue its winning ways under new leadership. Berblinger's local ties and coaching experience could help provide stability and build on the recent success of the Salthawks.

The details

Berblinger spent the last 7 seasons as the tight ends and specialists coach at Southeast Missouri State University. Prior to that, he played 4 years at Emporia State and then served as a student assistant coach. Hutchinson is coming off a 7-3 season in 2025 that saw them reach the regional round of the Kansas 5A playoffs before losing to Hays.

  • On February 10, 2026, Hutchinson High School announced the hiring of Luke Berblinger as their new head football coach.
  • Berblinger spent the last 7 seasons as an assistant coach at Southeast Missouri State University.

The players

Luke Berblinger

The new head football coach at Hutchinson High School, who previously served as an assistant coach at Southeast Missouri State University.

Hutchinson High School

A top high school football program in Kansas that has reached the playoffs in 4 straight seasons.

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What they’re saying

“Back in Reno County! I couldn't be more excited for the opportunity to be the Head Football Coach at Hutchinson High School. This is the community that raised me and Baylee, and we're beyond grateful that we get to raise our family here as well.”

— Luke Berblinger (X)

What’s next

Berblinger will begin preparing for the 2026 high school football season, looking to build on Hutchinson's recent success and lead the Salthawks to another playoff appearance.

The takeaway

Hutchinson High School has made an exciting hire in Luke Berblinger, a coach with local ties who has experience at the college level. This move represents an opportunity for the Salthawks to maintain their status as one of the top football programs in Kansas.