12 years in the NFL, defensive player of the year, nine Pro Bowl selections, and a Super Bowl ring, Ed Reed Sr. is now moving on to coaching a high school team. Ed Reed Sr., or Coach Reed, is the Chamblee High School football team’s new Offensive Coordinator for the 2025 football season. The players and the rest of the coaching staff are hoping Coach Reed will make an impact in the upcoming season. 

“Just having someone like that, the tenacity who played at the next level, the highest level, it’s just such a difference maker,” said Evan Nadler (‘28).

Coach Reed had several reasons to coach at Chamblee, including personal connections and a passion for developing young players.

“My son is here, that’s one thing that drew me over, but seeing [the players] and the young guys over here in need of coaching also drew me over,” said Coach Reed. 

In addition to supporting his son on the team, Coach Reed has a desire to grow the next generation of players. He is also making connections with everyone on the team, from staff to players.

“My son is here; he’s about to graduate, but I know [the players] too. I know a bunch of coaches and I know a bunch of [the players]; it’s about development,” said Coach Reed.

It’s clear that Coach Reed has made an effort to develop connections; he gets to know every player on a personal level, as he takes time out of his day to talk to players outside of practice. 

“Last night, he called me and we were just going over plays and stuff…I feel like I’ve known him forever… he’s only been coaching me for a few months,” said Jaylen Tipton-Harris (‘27).

For many football players, the nostalgia of their playing era is what motivates them to coach; this is no different for Coach Reed. When he steps on the practice field every day to coach, it acts as a reminder of his days playing with his own teammates. 

“Coaching [for Chamblee High School] is like being around my teammates. I see some of the old teammates come out in some of [the players],” said Coach Reed.

Coach Reed offers a unique set of skills to Chamblee’s coaching staff due to his high-level experience; his guidance sets him apart from other high school coaches. 

“I got a scholarship to the University of Miami, got drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2002, and played 11 years with the Ravens. I finished my last year with the Houston Texans for half the year, and the other half was with the New York Jets. Then, I retired in 2014,” said Coach Reed.

Coach Reed played college football at a D1 school and won a national championship; this was then followed by 12 years in the NFL. Coach Reed’s distinctive experiences in the football atmosphere bring valuable mental and physical resources to the team.

“Being undersized at linebacker, it’s pretty overwhelming sometimes, but Ed was also undersized… So from his experience, I’ve learned a lot. He’s helped me to get through my overwhelming tough times,” said Ayush Roy (‘29).

Coach Reed is here to help out the entire team, no matter position or grade level. Specifically, Coach Reed aims to ensure the team’s health and wellness throughout the year. Coach Reed supplies Pedialyte and body armour after most practices to make sure our players stay hydrated. Coach Reed also provides ice for the players to take ice baths in order to guarantee the athletes can continue to play.

“[With Coach Reed], we have a heck of a lot more Pedialyte. Hydration’s gone up,” said John McNally (‘25).

It’s obvious that Coach Reed truly cares about the program and all of the players.

“It’s just paying it forward for me,” said Coach Reed. “I used to be [a player], and I’m fortunate enough to have played on a high level and know this game. I’m a teacher at heart.”