LaDontay Bell Steps Down as Chester Clippers Head Coach

Tagged under: District 1, News

Dylan Johnson | December 1, 2022

CHESTER PA – Just an hour ago, it was announced Chester’s Head Coach, LaDontay Bell, has stepped down from his position. The announcement comes from the Chester Upland School District’s Twitter. Bell, who works for the district as their Athletic Director will continue to stay in that role. The announcement comes after Bell took his team to a 10-2 season, a Del Val Title, and the school’s first D1 playoff win.

“I’m choosing to step down because it’s the right decision. It’s a selfless decision,” said Bell. “It’s difficult to be a head coach and an athletic director. I’ve spent the last few years working with my coaching staff to build them up to lead. I love football but it’s a vehicle to help people navigate where they want to be in life. I’m passing the baton, knowing that one of my guys can steer this ship to greater depths if given the opportunity.”

📢 Important Announcement! 📢

LaDontay Bell will step down as the 🏈 coach at CHS. He will con’t working w/ CUSD as the AD.

Coach Bell has done tremendous work w/ our 🏈 program & in the community. We look forward to seeing his commitment to excellence flourish district-wide. pic.twitter.com/uq3vabCPRi

— Chester Upland School District (@ChesterUplandSD) December 1, 2022

Bell taught young men valuable lessons on and off the field. Just this past January, Bell was nominated by the Eagles for the 2021 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year award. It was the lessons he taught his players off the field that gave Bell national attention.

He and his wife provide bi-weekly meals to the team and were using a van to transport his players to and from school and practice to avoid the dangers of certain neighborhoods. The van was stolen, but it did not stop Bell from protecting his players as he turned to use his own personal vehicle. In the meantime, he raised over $10,000 to purchase a new van.

In wake of the Roxborough High School shooting, Bell took his players to meet with the Roxborough football team. He along with players spoke with them and grieved with them as they shared similar experiences.

While Bell takes hiatus from his coaching at Chester, his impact will continue to be felt through his job as AD and as well as the legacy he left with his other coaches and players for years to come.

Chester Upland School District stated they look to name a new coach by January 2023.

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