The 2025 Polynesian Bowl festivities began Sunday afternoon with the annual coaches press conference at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel in Waikiki. The event featured former NFL head coaches, who will guide 100 of the nation’s top high school juniors and seniors this Friday. Leading Team Makai will be Super Bowl 50 champion and former Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak, while former Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell will head Team Mauka. Both coaches shared their excitement about the week ahead and the unique opportunity the players have to grow both on and off the field. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rob DeMello KHON (@robdemello) “That’s where it’s all coming together. There’s obviously a lot of Polynesian influence in the NFL and college sports nowadays, and it’s growing because of these great athletes and men like Jesse Sapolu and Ma’a Tanuvasa who have given so much to the game. It’s awesome to come out here, enjoy the sunshine, and meet these great kids," said Kubiak. "College coaches are already calling me, asking about their players. Hopefully, we’ll have a great influence on them this week.” 'It's just awesome to get a chance to come out here, enjoy the sunshine, meet these great kids' - Former NFL head coaches Gary Kubiak & Jim Caldwell start game week festivities in Waikiki for 2025 Polynesian Bowl https://t.co/4Z7D7SoRPs #NFLHawaii #PolynesianBowl #HawaiiHSFB… pic.twitter.com/r4P657gjcO— Rob DeMello (@RobDeMelloKHON) January 13, 2025 “I think the off-field experience will be just as valuable as the on-field one. Being immersed in this culture will teach these young men about commitment, respect, and conduct beyond the game," said Caldwell. "On the field, we’ll challenge them and share insights from a professional football perspective. Football is football, but at the pro level, it’s more intricate, requiring a lot more attention to detail.” Kickoff for the 2025 Polynesian Bowl is set for Friday at 4 p.m. on the campus of Kamehameha Schools. The game will be televised on NFL Network. For continuous coverage throughout the week, stay tuned to KHON2 Sports.