Ryan Keeton is the new Pelahatchie High School (PHS) Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. He previously spent three of his eighteen years coaching as a PHS defensive coordinator.
“Pelahatchie has always been home for me because it is where my parents are,” said Coach Keeton. “The years I coached here previously were three of the best and most fun I’ve had as a coach. Mostly because of the people and the community.”
Over the past two years, Keeton has served as co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Tupelo High School. Before that, he was the head football coach and athletic director at Nanih Waiya Attendance Center where he guided the football team to a South State Championship appearance in 2016 and a State Championship appearance in 2017. He amassed a record of 7 wins and 8 losses in his three years there.
He is hoping that he can get his team on the practice field by June 1, even if they have to make some adjustments due to COVID-19. Keeton feels it is important to develop strong relationships with his players. He said he is a life-long learner and is open to new ideas but will use some of the successful things he’s done with his other teams.
“It really feels good that there’s been an outpouring of support from people in the community,” said Keeton.
His mom, Kaye Payne Keeton, is a PHS graduate who was a majorette in the band. His dad, Rex Keeton, played football at Morton, East Central Community College and Delta State.
Keeton is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi where he received a B.S. in coaching and sports administration. He furthered his education at Arkansas State University where he received a M.S. in educational leadership.
He and his wife, Alayna, have two daughters, Ava, 5, and Josey, 4.
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