Black Hawks Welcome New Coach

The Bloomfield Hills High School Black Hawks football team opened their season under the leadership and vision of Coach Scott Merchant, who brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record of success. Coach Merchant began his tenure with BHHS last spring as head football coach and school guidance counselor. Merchant is a well-known and respected MHSFCA Hall of Fame coach and a long-time Bloomfield Hills resident and parent in the district.

Merchant previously held positions as head coach at Lawrence Tech University, University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy, and Chippewa Valley High School. Merchant transformed the high school teams, which faced challenges, into powerhouses, achieving undefeated seasons, conference and district championships, and state playoff victories. 

Merchant’s vision is to cultivate and grow the football program, emphasizing commitment, hard work, and pride in performance. In addition, Merchant aims to establish a positive and community-oriented culture within the football program. Long-term goals include advancing in the division to compete with the best teams in the state. “We have to learn to win. It's a process,” said Merchant. 

Merchant envisions expanding the program's reach into middle and elementary schools, fostering early interest and involvement in sports. Last spring, Coach Merchant’s players engaged with younger students by reading at elementary schools, and they hosted a middle school football camp over the summer. Additionally, the coach plans to organize charitable community events surrounding football games to strengthen community ties. 

Coach Merchant’s extensive experience as a guidance counselor brings an added advantage to his role on the football field. Coach Merchant wants his football players to know that he will support them both on and off the field. “I wear my counseling hat a lot on the football field…We know if [players] don't feel well, either physically or mentally, or are stressed and having issues, that's going to impact everything. So, I always say it's bigger than football. Football's just the vehicle that we use to try to help these kids develop,” Merchant explained. The coach’s counseling background will also benefit student-athletes who want to continue their sports careers after high school, as Merchant understands the recruitment process well. Merchant can help student athletes meet and exceed requirements to play at the collegiate level, as well as provide recruiters with essential information.

Ultimately, Merchant’s philosophy aims to positively impact the student, the game, and the community. “I want our kids to be as good as they can be in the classroom, in the lunchroom, out in society, and on the football field. And hopefully, [I can] help them develop in all those areas and be ready for the world that's out there after they leave.” With this inspiring leader as their coach, the Black Hawks have an exciting future ahead!