DCHS names new Head Football Coach

Today, Daviess County High School announced a new head football coach to lead the Panthers next season. Anthony Payton, a graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College, has been named the new head coach, replacing Matt Brannon who stepped down earlier this year.

Payton brings a wealth of experience after an extensive career as both a player and a coach.

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 nine year career in the Indoor Football League, Arena Football League, and the AF2 as a wide receiver with six teams: Dayton, New Jersey, Louisville, Buffalo, Cincinnati, and Las Vegas.

Payton began his coaching career in 2003 at Fern Creek High School in Louisville, KY 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 offensively, Massachusetts led the league in touchdowns with 123, most offensive touchdowns, total offensive yards, and average yards per play. The Pirates also had the number one passing offense with 3,677 yards and
229.8 yards per game. Additionally, this team was the highest scoring team in the National Arena League as the Pirates posted an 11-5 record.

After a two year season (one as the head coach of the Massachusetts Pirates), Payton moved back to Kentucky to join the coaching staff of North Oldham High School from 2020-2022.

Payton returned to the Massachusetts Pirates as Offensive Coordinator to work under Head Coach Mark Stoute. Payton was Stoute’s Offensive Coordinator with the Louisville Xtreme of the Indoor Football League in 2021 before that franchise ceased operation.

In addition to his accomplishments as a player and coach, he has also served as a college and professional scout. Payton also has certifications as a personal trainer, fitness coach, nutritionist, powerlifting coach, strength and conditioning coach, and youth fitness coach.

Payton’s appointment as the new head coach of the Daviess County High School football team marks an exciting chapter in the school’s athletic program, and the DCHS Panthers are confident that his leadership will usher in a new era of achievement and success.

Daviess County’s principal, Matt Mason, takes immense pride in welcoming Coach Payton to the school community. “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. He understands that success is not given, but earned through hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”

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, and I can’t wait to get to work.”