The Chapin football team has a new man in charge.

The Eagles stayed in-house and promoted defensive coordinator Ryan Cole to the head coach position after Justin Gentry retired in April.

“I think it’s always been the job for me. I was at a point in my career where actually I thought this opportunity had passed me by,” Cole said. “I feel like this is an opportunity I’ve prepared for my entire life.”

Cole has been the Eagles’ defensive coordinator since 2022. He has had multiple stints at Chapin as a defensive coordinator and positions coach, dating back to 2001. He also served on Dutch Fork’s staff on two separate occasions from 2010-12 and 2014-16.

Cole will be tasked with replacing Gentry, the second-longest-serving coach in school history behind Eddie Muldrow. Cole has been an assistant under both.

“Coach Ryan Cole brings a wealth of experience with strong leadership qualities and a wealth of football knowledge to the table,” athletics director Ronnie Wessinger said. “His experience as defensive coordinator, coupled with a deep understanding of the game, Coach Cole will provide invaluable guidance to the team as they strive for success on and off the field.”

The program at Chapin grew rapidly in Gentry’s years at the helm. Under his guidance, the program won almost 100 games in 14 years and transitioned from SCHSL class 3A to the highest classification in the state, 5A.

Chapin will look to improve next season after going 6-5 in 2023 and losing to Stratford in the first round of the playoffs. The team is returning many key contributors from last season’s group, including quarterback Brady Albro and its top defenders Gavin Stam and Tanner Short.

Cole’s Eagles will kick off its next season on Aug. 23 on the road at Catawba Ridge.

“I am honored and humbled to be in this position and so excited to continue to represent Chapin,” Cole said. “I plan to continue the legacy of putting a winning team on the field and producing great young men who will have a positive impact on society.”