LCA Names Oakley Watkins as Head Varsity Football Coach

Lexington, Kentucky (February 4, 2025) – Following the retirement announcement of longtime Head Varsity Football Coach Doug Charles, Lexington Christian Academy (LCA) has named Oakley Watkins as his successor. Watkins, who has served as Associate Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator, brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the LCA football program.

“Coach Watkins has been instrumental in shaping the success of LCA football, and we could not be more excited for him to take on this leadership role,” said LCA Athletic Director Kirby Willoughby. “His offensive mind, ability to develop student-athletes, and commitment to faith-driven coaching make him the ideal person to carry forward the strong foundation that Coach Charles built.”

Watkins joined LCA in 2014 as an offensive line coach and took over as offensive coordinator in 2018. Under his leadership, the Eagles’ offense has become one of the most dynamic in the state, averaging 40.9 points per game in 2024 and 46.4 points per game in 2023—against one of Kentucky’s toughest schedules. He has coached 43 players who went on to play at the next level, including 22 at the Division I level, and has mentored standout athletes such as 2023 Paul Hornung Award winner Cutter Boley and 2021 Gatorade Player of the Year Xavier Brown.

“Coaching at LCA has been one of the greatest blessings of my life,” said Coach Watkins. “This program has meant so much to me and my family, and I am honored to continue its tradition of excellence. Coach Charles has been an incredible mentor, and I am grateful for his leadership, friendship, and unwavering belief in me. I look forward to building on what he started, investing in our student-athletes, and leading this program with faith, passion, and purpose.”

Watkins also brings collegiate coaching experience to the role, having served as Run Game Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach at Centre College, where he worked with former NFL Head Coach Les Steckel and helped guide an offense that led the conference in rushing during the 2021 spring-COVID season. A Centre College graduate (2013) and team captain, Watkins was also named to the AFCA All-State Good Works Team in 2012 for his leadership and service.

LCA Board Chair Brett Setzer, who has volunteered as an assistant coach, praised the selection. “Oakley has been a cornerstone of this program for years, and his impact on our student-athletes is immeasurable. He is a gifted coach and leader, and I have no doubt that he will continue to elevate LCA football while staying true to the values that make this school so special.”

Coach Charles, who will remain involved with the program in an advisory capacity, expressed full confidence in Watkins’ ability to lead. “Oakley is the right man for this job. He knows the heart of this program because he has been at the heart of it for years. His knowledge, passion, and belief in what we stand for at LCA will keep this program strong for years to come.”

LCA Acting Head of School Lisa Bacon echoed these sentiments. “Coach Watkins is a phenomenal coach, but more importantly, he is a tremendous role model for our student-athletes. His leadership will continue to inspire the young men in our program both on and off the field.”

LCA will formally recognize Coach Charles’ legacy and celebrate this transition at a special game during the 2025 football season.

 

About Lexington Christian Academy 
Lexington Christian Academy is a private, non-denominational Christian school located in Lexington, Kentucky and accredited by Cognia formerly known as AdvancED. LCA has been nurturing and educating young people from a distinctly Christian worldview for over a quarter-century. From a small group of committed parents holding classes in local churches, LCA has grown to a nationally acclaimed learning institution of over 1,200 students in grades preschool through 12 located on a beautiful 75-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of Lexington. Academically, LCA students consistently place at or near the top of all schools in Kentucky, as evidenced by standardized test scores, scholarships, and post-graduate accomplishments. Extra-curricular activities are wide-ranging and continually reaching new levels of success, particularly in athletics and fine arts.
 

Media Contact: Dan Koett | (859) 797-3646 | dkoett@framingyournarrative.com