---

Professional Background

Leadership in Program Management and Mission Engineering

Pratley’s career is deeply rooted in program management and mission engineering, areas in which he has established himself as an accomplished leader and subject-matter expert. Holding a DAWIA Level 3 Certification—the highest level attainable in the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act—he demonstrates an exceptional command of acquisition processes, requirements traceability, and complex systems integration.

His tenure as Chief Engineer for Mission Concepts Integration at the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E) placed him at the forefront of mission-driven innovation. In this role, Pratley shaped the strategic direction for integrating new engineering concepts into the Department of Defense’s research initiatives, enhancing capabilities and interoperability across various mission sets.

US Navy Contributions

Pratley’s impact within the US Navy is substantial. As Deputy Program Executive Officer (DPEO) for Tactical Aircraft System of Systems / Integration and Interoperability, he managed large-scale projects focusing on the seamless integration of advanced tactical aircraft systems. His work directly influenced fleet effectiveness, interoperability, and multi-platform coordination.

Prior to this, Pratley served on the NAVAIR HQ Staff supporting Mission Engineering and Analysis. He was also the Branch Head for the Test Resource Management Group, overseeing the strategic allocation of test resources for complex aviation platforms. His collaborative approach and technical expertise advanced the Navy’s test and evaluation processes, ensuring the highest standards of safety and performance.

Test & Evaluation Expertise

Coach Pratley’s expertise extends to the Test & Evaluation (T&E) community within NAVAIR, where he contributed to several program offices, including the F/A-18 and EA-18G, MQ-25, MQ-4 Triton, and P-8. His work encompassed both Manned and Unmanned Aviation systems, emphasizing rigorous evaluation protocols, systems engineering, process optimization, and requirements traceability. Through these efforts, Pratley played a pivotal role in the development and deployment of cutting-edge aviation technologies, ensuring these assets met operational and strategic needs.

Certified Lead Systems Integrator

Pratley holds the designation of Certified Lead Systems Integrator through the Naval Postgraduate School, further demonstrating his deep knowledge in systems integration, acquisition, and engineering management. This certification is reserved for professionals capable of leading complex technical teams through the full lifecycle of system development, from requirements definition to deployment and sustainment.

---

Educational Achievements

In addition to his technical credentials, Coach Pratley earned a Master of Science in Educational Technology from Boise State University. This academic foundation empowered him to integrate innovative technologies into both his engineering and coaching roles, enriching the environments in which he operates. His commitment to lifelong learning is evident in his ability to synthesize new ideas and approaches across multiple disciplines.

---

A Legacy in Sports Coaching

Innovations in Football Strategy

The moniker “Coach” is more than a nickname; it reflects Pratley’s profound influence in the sports world. Over a period of nearly fifteen years as an educator and more than twenty years as a coach, Pratley developed a reputation for strategic brilliance and mentorship. He is credited with creating the Pistol Spread Option offense, a groundbreaking football strategy that he implemented as Offensive Coordinator at Concordia University Ann Arbor (MI). This innovative system has inspired coaches and teams nationwide, blending speed, flexibility, and tactical nuance to revolutionize offensive playbooks.

Multi-Sport Coaching Success

Pratley’s coaching journey is marked by a diverse portfolio: he has coached football, basketball, baseball, and hockey at high schools across the United States. His passion for sports and commitment to youth development have left a positive impact on countless student-athletes, fostering values of teamwork, discipline, and resilience.

Collaboration with Professional Sports

Extending his expertise beyond amateur athletics, Pratley worked as a contractor for the National Football League (NFL), contributing to the Next Generation Stats program. His insight into advanced analytics and data-driven performance measures showcases his ability to bridge the gap between technology and competitive sports.

---

Entrepreneurial Ventures and Private Sector Experience

Pratley’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his history of founding and managing several companies over the past few decades. His business acumen, honed through experiences in both the private sector and government, enables him to navigate complex operational challenges, drive innovation, and create sustainable growth. These ventures have spanned industries from educational technology to aerospace and defense, reflecting his multifaceted expertise.

Approach to Leadership and Problem-Solving

Coach Pratley’s leadership style is characterized by his ability to unite multidisciplinary teams around common goals, manage multi-million dollar contracts, and drive process optimization across large organizations. His proven track record in acquisition, mission engineering, and test & evaluation demonstrates an unwavering commitment to excellence and results.

His background—spanning private sector innovation, sports strategy, government program management, and technical integration—allows Pratley to synthesize diverse perspectives and methodologies. This integrative approach makes him particularly adept at solving complex problems, whether in aviation systems, athletic programs, or business ventures.

---

Conclusion

Anthony “Coach” Pratley is a rare leader whose career bridges the worlds of engineering, sports, entrepreneurship, and education. His achievements as CEO and founder, expertise in mission and systems engineering, and legacy in coaching have established him as an influential figure capable of driving innovation across disciplines. Whether managing large-scale government programs, designing winning sports strategies, or launching successful companies, Pratley continues to set new standards for leadership, creativity, and collaboration.

His story serves as a testament to the power of combining technical mastery with a commitment to mentorship, adaptability, and visionary thinking. As industries evolve and challenges grow more complex, leaders like Coach Pratley are poised to inspire progress and foster positive change for years to come.

• LinkedIn