Blake Butler returns as ECS football coach after 12 seasons at Trinity Christian Academy

Evangelical Christian School announced Blake Butler will be its next football coach. He spent the past 12 seasons at Trinity Christian Academy in Jackson.

Butler returns to ECS after serving as an assistant coach under Jim Heinz from 2007-09 and Geoff Walters in 2010.   He replaces state champion coach Trey Adams, who mutually parted ways with ECS in January after four seasons.

“The biggest draw for us to return to ECS is how the mission of the school is lived out every day,” Butler said a school release Wednesday. “Braxton is an incredible leader, there is a true sense of family at ECS, and I have good relationships from when I was there before. ECS fits what my wife and I are looking for in a school, not only as a coach but also as a parent.” 

Butler had an overall record of 73-66 while at TCA, helping the Lions reach the Division II-A quarterfinals three straight seasons and two semifinals in 2013 and 2015. 

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“Blake was our top choice from the beginning of our process,” said Braxton Brady, head of school at ECS. “His familiarity with our mission and history, his coaching pedigree and connection to our coaching staff combined with his passion for discipling young men through football made him the obvious choice.  

“Coach Butler brings a tremendous knowledge of the game with a desire for excellence in all aspects of the program. I am excited about the culture that he will build in our football program both on and off the field.” 

Reach Wynston Wilcox at wwilcox@gannett.com and on Twitter @wynstonw__.