Castleton

Spartans

Visiting Areas: New York Section 2; Long Island, N.Y.; N.J. Counties of Monmouth, Mercer, Ocean, and Middlesex
Recruiting Areas: North Carolina and Virginia

Tyler Higley went 3-7 in his first season at the helm of the football program, seeing two receive All-Conference honors, Kevin McDonough to the All-MASCAC First Team and Tyler Buxton to the All-MASCAC Second Team. He kicked off his first season with a victory as the squad reclaimed the Maple Sap Bucket Trophy with a 14-12 victory over Norwich University. 

He was named Head Coach in 2024 after spending the previous two seasons as Castleton's Defensive Coordinator, Recruiting Coordinator, and Community Service Coordinator. He has a lengthy coaching career under his belt, completing five seasons on staff with the Spartans and a stint as the Defensive Backs Coach and Special Teams Coordinator at Western New England University.

Higley's defenses have posted stellar numbers under his tutelage, allowing the fewest points per game in the ECFC in 2022 and the fewest yards per game in the ECFC in 2023. The Spartans had nine defensive players earn All-ECFC accolades over Higley's two seasons as Defensive Coordinator, with seven of those honorees landing First Team recognition.

During his playing career at Castleton, Higley was successful on both sides of the ball. He began his career as a quarterback before making the switch to defensive back in his junior season where he earned First Team All-Conference honors from the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference. He still ranks among the top five in program history for career interceptions and pass deflections. He still holds the program’s single-season records with seven interceptions and 18 passes defended. In 2015, he ranked among the nation’s top five in interceptions per game and passes defended per game.

Higley holds a bachelor’s degree in sports administration with a minor in coaching and business, as well as a master's degree in athletic leadership from Castleton. Originally from Vernon, Vt., he attended Brattleboro Union High School.