Annese led Muskegon High School to three state championships and a 92-15 record during his nine seasons as head football coach from 2000 to 2008.

The son of Nick Annese, longtime coach at Corunna High School, Tony played college football at Alma before starting his own coaching career as an assistant under legendary coach Roger Chiaverini, first at Muskegon Catholic Central, then at Holland West Ottawa. Annese accepted his first head coaching job at Montrose, followed by stints at Ann Arbor Pioneer and Jenison before coming to Muskegon. Under his guidance, the Big Reds returned to state prominence, earning nine consecutive playoff appearances and state Division 2 titles in 2004, 2006 and 2008. Each of those championship teams finished with perfect 14-0 records.

In 22 seasons of coaching high school football across Michigan, Annese compiled a remarkable .826 win-loss percentage, posting a 195-41 record. He has since enjoyed tremendous success at the college level, first at Grand Rapids Community College (30-4 over three seasons), and at Ferris State in Big Rapids, where he has built that program into a Division II national power.