Chester High School's LaDontay Bell Named Philadelphia Eagles High School Coach of the Year

Chester High School head football coach LaDontay Bell was named the Philadelphia Eagles' High School Coach of the Year for 2021.

Bell, who has been the Chester's head coach since 2016, led the program to its first-ever playoff appearance in 2021. The Clippers finished 7-4.

The Eagles awarded Chester High School with $8,000.

As the Eagles' Coach of the Year winner, Bell is now a finalist for the 2021 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award. The award recognizes a high school football coach for their character and integrity, devotion to serving the community, commitment to player health and safety, and on-field success.

Related: Learn more about the 2020 Coach of the Year winner.

The 32 nominees will participate in the NFL’s week-long celebration of football at the 2021 Pro Bowl in Las Vegas, Nevada. The winner of the Don Shula Award will be announced during the Pro Bowl.

The Don Shula Award winner will receive $12,500 and his high school football program will be awarded $17,500. The second place finisher will receive $7,500 and his high school football program will receive $12,500. The remaining 30 finalists will each receive $1,000. 

Below, Coach Bell talks with High School Football America’s Jeff Fisher about the award and the thrill of making the postseason for the first time in school history.

Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles.