The Lincoln football program had the most success in school history under the direction of Head Football Coach Tom Mihalovich. Coach Mihalovich took over in 2001 and his last full season was 2011. Before his arrival, the team had not experienced a winning record in eight years, and had the longest losing streak in the state at the 4A level. Within four years, the team had a winning record, and in 2005 earned a playoff berth for only the second time in school history. Previously, the school's only playoff appearance was in 1976. The program's continued success included four conference championships, six play-off appearances, and the first ever playoff victory in 2011. The 2011 team set conference and school records that included a nine-game winning streak, best overall record (9–2) and numerous conference and school statistical records. Coach Mihalovich, a four time Metro Conference Coach of the Year, is the winningest coach in school history, with a mark of 57–51. In the last eight years of Coach Mihalovich's tenure, his record was 52–29. After Coach Mihalovich, the team made the state playoffs in 2014, with a 3–6 record and losing to Ankeny High School 42-7. They also made the state playoffs in 2015 with a 4–5 record, losing to Dowling Catholic 62–0.