Chapin’s football team is looking for a new head coach. 

Ryan Cole, who has been in charge of the program for the past two seasons, resigned from his position as the Eagles' head football coach. He will remain at Chapin as one of the school’s assistant principals. 

“We are excited to announce that Mr. Ryan Cole has been approved as our new assistant principal beginning Dec. 11,” the school said in an announcement of the move. “Coach Cole brings extensive teaching and leadership experience to CHS and is known for his strong relationships, servant leadership and dedication to helping students grow.” 

Cole took the Chapin job in 2024, replacing long-time head coach Justin Gentry. He was previously an assistant coach on Gentry’s staff. 

He secured his first coaching job at Chapin in 2001 as the defensive coordinator, a position he held until 2008. He returned and had two different stints as the safeties coach from 2012-2013 and 2017-2020. He took over as defensive coordinator again in 2022 and filled that role until being promoted to head coach. 

In between his jobs at Chapin, Cole also spent time at Dutch Fork as their safeties coach from 2010-12 and 2014-16.

Under Cole’s leadership, Chapin went 6-16, going 6-6 his first year and 0-10 this past season. The Eagles made it to the second round of the playoffs in year one before missing the postseason in year two. 2025 was Chapin’s worst season since 1998. 

Cole’s impact on Chapin’s athletic program goes beyond his coaching contributions. He also founded the Chapin Athletic Leadership Institute. It is a group for student-athletes to learn leadership skills that will help them on the field and beyond in everyday life. 

The group is not just for football players, but all student-athletes at Chapin.

With Cole’s resignation, the first head coaching job has opened up in Lexington County. Last season saw a lot of movement with River Bluff, Lexington, Airport, Brookland-Cayce, American Leadership and Pelion all making changes.