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Yesterday, 11:27 AM
From a good source, Doug Charles retires. I don't have the links but if anyone does, please share. Thanks. I wish him nothing but the best. Fun watching his teams play and some of the best games I have watched in person. Great Coach!! Will be missed!
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Lexington Christian Academy (LCA) has announced that Head Varsity Football Coach Doug Charles is retiring, effective February 2, 2025.
Charles led LCA’s football program to a 65-15 record over six seasons as head coach, winning five district championships, four regional titles, and making two state championship appearances. More than half of his players continued their football careers at the collegiate level, far surpassing the national average.
LCA stated that Charles’ leadership helped build one of the top football programs in Kentucky. Athletic Director Kirby Willoughby credited him with elevating LCA football to new heights, and Acting Head of School Lisa Bacon highlighted his impact on the school community.
Associate Head Coach Oakley Watkins will take over as head coach. LCA said Charles, who has two sons currently at the school, will remain involved with the program in various capacities. The school will honor him at a game during the 2025 football season, with details to be announced later.
https://www.wtvq.com/lexington-christian...to-retire/
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Lexington Christian Academy (LCA) has announced that Head Varsity Football Coach Doug Charles is retiring, effective February 2, 2025.
Charles led LCA’s football program to a 65-15 record over six seasons as head coach, winning five district championships, four regional titles, and making two state championship appearances. More than half of his players continued their football careers at the collegiate level, far surpassing the national average.
LCA stated that Charles’ leadership helped build one of the top football programs in Kentucky. Athletic Director Kirby Willoughby credited him with elevating LCA football to new heights, and Acting Head of School Lisa Bacon highlighted his impact on the school community.
Associate Head Coach Oakley Watkins will take over as head coach. LCA said Charles, who has two sons currently at the school, will remain involved with the program in various capacities. The school will honor him at a game during the 2025 football season, with details to be announced later.
https://www.wtvq.com/lexington-christian...to-retire/
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Yesterday, 02:02 PM
Oakley Watkins has to be the guy
Yesterday, 02:33 PM
Awesome person and coach and we wish him the best!
Yesterday, 02:50 PM
In the press release from LCA announcing Coach Charles resignation. They also said that Oakley Watkins has been named the new HC.
Yesterday, 03:59 PM
From LCA:
Lexington, Kentucky (February 3, 2025) – After an extraordinary 45-year coaching career—including 25 years of dedicated service to Lexington Christian Academy (LCA)—Head Varsity Football Coach Doug Charles has announced his retirement, effective February 2, 2025. While stepping down from his role as head coach, Charles will continue supporting the program in various capacities, ensuring a smooth transition for the team and school community.
“It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as the Head Football Coach at LCA,” said Charles. “Coaching has always been my ministry, a calling I have been blessed to fulfill. While this decision wasn’t easy, I know the time is right, and I have complete confidence in our coaching staff to carry the program forward.”
Appointed as LCA’s Head Varsity Football Coach six years ago, Charles transformed the Eagles into one of the premier football programs in Kentucky. Under his leadership, the team compiled an impressive 65-15 record, secured five district championships and four regional titles, and reached the state championship game twice. His impact extended beyond wins and titles—more than 50% of his players continued their football careers at the collegiate level, far exceeding the national average.
LCA’s Acting Head of School, Lisa Bacon, praised Charles for his profound influence on the school community. “Coach Charles has been much more than a coach—he has been a mentor, a leader, and a steadfast example of faith in action. His dedication to our student-athletes and his passion for using football as a platform to advance God’s Kingdom is truly inspiring.”
Beyond the accolades, Charles leaves a lasting legacy of faith, mentorship, and service. His commitment to shaping young men into servant leaders was evident in every aspect of his coaching, from instilling a Christ-centered team culture to spearheading community service initiatives.
Brett Setzer, LCA Board Chair and longtime volunteer assistant coach under Charles, expressed gratitude for his years of service. “Doug has poured his heart and soul into LCA football. His leadership has been instrumental in the program’s growth, and his influence on countless young men will be felt for generations. While he may be stepping down as head coach, he will always be an integral part of our LCA family.”
Athletic Director Kirby Willoughby echoed these sentiments. “Coach Charles built something special at LCA—not just a winning football program, but a culture rooted in faith, family, and excellence. His tireless commitment has elevated LCA football to new heights, and we are beyond grateful for his contributions.”
As part of a planned transition, Associate Head Coach Oakley Watkins will assume the head coaching position. “Oakley has been by my side since day one, and I have no doubt he is the right man to lead this program,” said Charles. “He is an incredible coach, mentor, and believer, and I look forward to supporting him however I can.”
Though stepping away from the daily responsibilities of coaching, Charles remains deeply committed to LCA. With two sons currently enrolled, he plans to stay involved for years to come, continuing to mentor young athletes and contribute to the school’s mission.
LCA will honor Coach Charles’ achievements and contributions at a to-be-determined game during the 2025 football season.
Lexington, Kentucky (February 3, 2025) – After an extraordinary 45-year coaching career—including 25 years of dedicated service to Lexington Christian Academy (LCA)—Head Varsity Football Coach Doug Charles has announced his retirement, effective February 2, 2025. While stepping down from his role as head coach, Charles will continue supporting the program in various capacities, ensuring a smooth transition for the team and school community.
“It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as the Head Football Coach at LCA,” said Charles. “Coaching has always been my ministry, a calling I have been blessed to fulfill. While this decision wasn’t easy, I know the time is right, and I have complete confidence in our coaching staff to carry the program forward.”
Appointed as LCA’s Head Varsity Football Coach six years ago, Charles transformed the Eagles into one of the premier football programs in Kentucky. Under his leadership, the team compiled an impressive 65-15 record, secured five district championships and four regional titles, and reached the state championship game twice. His impact extended beyond wins and titles—more than 50% of his players continued their football careers at the collegiate level, far exceeding the national average.
LCA’s Acting Head of School, Lisa Bacon, praised Charles for his profound influence on the school community. “Coach Charles has been much more than a coach—he has been a mentor, a leader, and a steadfast example of faith in action. His dedication to our student-athletes and his passion for using football as a platform to advance God’s Kingdom is truly inspiring.”
Beyond the accolades, Charles leaves a lasting legacy of faith, mentorship, and service. His commitment to shaping young men into servant leaders was evident in every aspect of his coaching, from instilling a Christ-centered team culture to spearheading community service initiatives.
Brett Setzer, LCA Board Chair and longtime volunteer assistant coach under Charles, expressed gratitude for his years of service. “Doug has poured his heart and soul into LCA football. His leadership has been instrumental in the program’s growth, and his influence on countless young men will be felt for generations. While he may be stepping down as head coach, he will always be an integral part of our LCA family.”
Athletic Director Kirby Willoughby echoed these sentiments. “Coach Charles built something special at LCA—not just a winning football program, but a culture rooted in faith, family, and excellence. His tireless commitment has elevated LCA football to new heights, and we are beyond grateful for his contributions.”
As part of a planned transition, Associate Head Coach Oakley Watkins will assume the head coaching position. “Oakley has been by my side since day one, and I have no doubt he is the right man to lead this program,” said Charles. “He is an incredible coach, mentor, and believer, and I look forward to supporting him however I can.”
Though stepping away from the daily responsibilities of coaching, Charles remains deeply committed to LCA. With two sons currently enrolled, he plans to stay involved for years to come, continuing to mentor young athletes and contribute to the school’s mission.
LCA will honor Coach Charles’ achievements and contributions at a to-be-determined game during the 2025 football season.
Yesterday, 08:31 PM
Great run at LCA won everything you could win except the big one (State Title). Best of luck on your retirement.
