Replaces short-lived predecessor who left amid alleged recruiting violations
-
Blanton, a former Celebration assistant coach, takes over as the Storm's head football coach. PHOTO/CELEBRATION H.S.
Chris Blanton, a former standout football player at Troy State who has coaching experience at several local high schools, has been named Celebration’s new head coach.
Blanton replaces Jed Ebersole, who was hired in January but departed a month later among non-allowable recruiting allegations. Ebersole had been hired to replace Jeremy Palmer, who was let go after a pair of 1-9 seasons (2022-23).
“Given the circumstances of having to make such a late change, we are extremely fortunate to welcome Coach Blanton,” CHS Athletic Director Chad Boudreaux said. “He has a ton of coaching experience and has already started to generate a lot of positive energy with our student athletes.
According to Blanton, that energy centers around what he calls his “WIN” (Willing to Invest Now) philosophy.
“From the beginning I have told our guys that they have to buy into everything right now if they want to be successful later,” he said. “And to tell the truth, I have been impressed so far. We have had 50 kids showing up for voluntary workouts before the start of spring practice. That tells me they want to be here and they want to be a part of the culture change.”
Blanton says his offensive and defensive schemes will evolve based on the several factors, including the talent at hand.
“I don’t think the actual formations will matter. On defense, our main goal will be to play fast and physical. Offensively, we will just do whatever we have to make the opponent’s defense play on their heels,” he said. “Hopefully we will be able to put our kids in position to make plays.”
He believes the resources exist to turn Celebration—which has had less than a handful of winning seasons since opening in 2003—into a consistent winning program.
“We have the resources, leadership and facilities needed,” Blanton said. “What we have not had is consistency on the coaching side. Historically, many of Celebration’s four-year players have had to play for two or three different head coaches. That’s a hard way to try to build a program.”
A native of Atlanta, Blanton excelled at football, track and wrestling at Newton High School. He began his college career at Mississippi College, where he played running back and ran track. He still holds the school record for rushing touchdowns in a single game (5) and also won a district title in the 100-meter dash. Later at Troy State he played defensive back for three seasons before graduating in 2011.
Following a season of playing professional football in Europe, Blanton turned to coaching. He was the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Freedom and also served stints as defensive backs coach at St. Cloud, Haines City, and Celebration. He also was head coach and assistant athletic director at Advance Prep Academy in Auburndale.
