Daviess County High School has named Anthony Payton its new football head coach. Payton, a graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College, has an extensive career as both a player and a coach. He replaces Matt Brannon, who stepped down earlier this after 20 years with the program.
Payton is excited about the new opportunity and the idea of returning to his football roots.
“Football brought me to Owensboro and football took me away from Owensboro, and now football is bringing me back to Owensboro again,” he said. “I can’t wait to get to work.”
Payton was an All-American high school quarterback at Fort Campbell. After playing collegiate football at East Mississippi Community College and KWC, Payton had a 9-year career in the Indoor Football League, Arena Football League, and the AF2 as a wide receiver with 6 teams: Dayton, New Jersey, Louisville, Buffalo, Cincinnati, and Las Vegas.
Payton began his coaching career in 2003 at Fern Creek High School in Louisville, where he stayed until 2005. He then transitioned to offensive coordinator for the Louisville Fire in the AFL from 2007-2009. He went out west to be the offensive coordinator of the Portland Steele and Spokane Shock in the Arena Football League in 2016 and 2017.
In 2018, Payton was named the offensive coordinator of the Massachusetts Pirates in the Indoor Football League. Under Payton’s leadership, the Pirates’ offense led the league in touchdowns with 123. They also had the number one passing offense with 3,677 yards and 229.8 yards per game.
Payton served as the Pirates head coach in 2019 before he moved back to Kentucky to join the coaching staff of North Oldham High School from 2020-2022.
In addition to his accomplishments as a player and coach, Payton has also served as a college and professional scout. He has certifications as a personal trainer, fitness coach, nutritionist, powerlifting coach, strength and conditioning coach, and youth fitness coach.
Daviess County’s Principal Matt Mason said Payton’s appointment as the new football head coach marks an exciting chapter in the school’s athletic program.
“As we look ahead to the season, I am reminded of a quote by the legendary Vince Lombardi: ‘The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.’ This quote encapsulates the essence of Coach Payton’s approach to the game,” Mason said. “He understands that success is not given, but earned through hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”
