NFL Legend Ed Reed Joins Son’s High School as Offensive Coordinator

CHAMBLEE, Ga. — Pro Football Hall of Famer Ed Reed has joined Chamblee High School’s football staff as offensive coordinator, a move that allows him to coach his son, Edward Reed III, during his senior year. The announcement, made Monday, marks Reed’s return to coaching after previous stints in the NFL and college ranks.

Reed, 46, a former Baltimore Ravens safety and nine-time Pro Bowler, turned down other coaching opportunities to take the role. “I couldn’t pass up a chance to be around my son his senior year,” Reed said during a virtual news conference Wednesday. “There’s never a return. You’ll never get that back.”

The connection began in 2022 when Edward, then an eighth grader, approached Chamblee head coach Bob Swank about joining the team. Swank, unaware of Edward’s famous lineage, was stunned when the young player revealed his father’s identity. “I was like, ‘That’s a great name for a football player,’” Swank recalled. “Then he said, ‘Yeah, that’s my dad.’”

Reed had previously assisted the Chamblee coaching staff informally during Edward’s sophomore year, spending nearly the entire season at practices. “He was just a coach at-large and would come out and coach whatever he saw needed fixing,” Swank said. “He’s an excellent high school coach.”

Swank, who has coached since 1991, praised Reed’s ability to communicate complex football concepts to high school players. “Some people that know football or were really high-level players can’t communicate the way he does,” Swank said. “He’s not only a football guru but just a very, very high-character person.”

Reed’s decision to focus on offense, rather than defense, stems from his love for the strategic aspects of the game. “If you look at my career, you probably would say Ed was an offensive player on defense just playing mad,” Reed joked. He has already begun developing a playbook, which includes a run-first scheme with West Coast offense elements.

The appointment has been met with enthusiasm from the Chamblee community. Former NFL running back Jamal Lewis, whose son Jazz also plays for the Bulldogs, helped facilitate the hiring. “It’s going to be the experience of a lifetime, really,” Swank said.

Reed, who lives in the McDonough area, emphasized his commitment to mentoring young athletes beyond football. Through his foundation, he aims to equip students with life skills. “I want them to go to college,” Reed said. “I want them to have some skills when they leave the football field.”

Edward, a wide receiver, is described by Swank as a smart, talented player with potential to play at the collegiate level. The opportunity for father and son to share the field has already created meaningful moments. When Edward asked about the new offensive scheme, Reed said, “That in itself right there is success for me as a father.”

Reed’s storied NFL career included 12 seasons, 11 with the Ravens, where he earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2004. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019. His return to coaching at the high school level underscores his dedication to family and community.