‘This decision wasn’t easy.’ Lexington Christian football coach Doug Charles retires
Lexington Christian Academy football head coach Doug Charles has announced his retirement after six seasons in charge of the Eagles that included five district titles, four region championships and two state finals appearances.
“It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as the head football coach at LCA,” Charles said in a press release Monday morning announcing the decision. “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.”
Charles has been involved with Lexington Christian football for 25 of his 45 years in coaching, mostly in the youth levels. In his six years as LCA head coach, his teams went 65-15, including an 11-3 record and a region championship last season.
“Coach Charles built something special at LCA — not just a winning football program, but a culture rooted in faith, family, and excellence,” LCA athletic director Kirby Willoughby said. “His tireless commitment has elevated LCA football to new heights, and we are beyond grateful for his contributions.”
Though LCA suffered back-to-back heartbreaking defeats to Beechwood in the 2020 and 2021 Class 2A state championships at Kroger Field, Charles kept wins and losses in perspective.
“It’s easy to talk about what a great team we are when the media puts a microphone in your face,” Charles told the Herald-Leader in a profile of his life ahead of the 2022 season. “But what do you do after a tough loss on a big stage when a majority of people felt like you should win the game? How do you celebrate then? Do you not sing ‘Victory in Jesus?’ Do you let the enemy steal your joy? …
“If I let that loss define us — me as a person, me as a coach, our program and our kids — if that loss is what defines us, then I have done a horrendous job as head coach of this program. Terrible.”
LCA boasted that more than 50 percent of Charles’ players continued their football playing careers at the collegiate level. Those players included two Mr. Football candidates in 2023 in quarterback Cutter Boley, now at the University of Kentucky, and running back Brady Hensley, now at Eastern Kentucky University. They also included 2021 Associated Press co-Mr. Football Jager Burton, a UK offensive lineman who played for LCA’s middle school teams under Charles before transferring to Frederick Douglass as a sophomore.
“Coach Charles has been much more than a coach — he has been a mentor, a leader, and a steadfast example of faith in action,” LCA’s acting head of school Lisa Bacon said. “His dedication to our student-athletes and his passion for using football as a platform to advance God’s kingdom is truly inspiring.”
Charles had been in charge of LCA’s entire youth football program from development at the youth levels to middle school coach. He began working with LCA’s varsity football program in 2016 as quarterbacks coach under then head Ethan Atchley.
“Doug has poured his heart and soul into LCA football,” said Brett Setzer, LCA board chair and longtime volunteer assistant coach under Charles. “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.”
Although resigning as head coach, Charles intends to remain involved with the program. He has two sons enrolled at LCA.
Charles’ longtime associate head coach and offensive coordinator, Oakley Watkins, will take over head coaching duties.
“Oakley has been by my side since day one, and I have no doubt he is the right man to lead this program,” Charles said. “He is an incredible coach, mentor, and believer, and I look forward to supporting him however I can.”
LCA will honor Charles at a to-be-determined game during the 2025 football season.
