Blanchard stepping down at Patterson High

Patterson High School's Chad Blanchard is resigning as head football coach.
Blanchard, a longtime member of the Patterson High School staff as an assistant coach before taking over for head coach Tommy Minton in early 2014, said in a statement today he was thankful for the opportunity to serve as head football coach but thought the time was right for him to “pursue other opportunities that will benefit my family.”
Blanchard said, “By stepping down at this time, I wanted to give the football players, assistant coaches and administration at Patterson High every opportunity to be successful and allow them to get the transition of find a new football coach started immediately.
“I’m thankful to the people of Patterson for allowing me to be a part of the community for 15 years,” Blanchard added. “I believe some of those relationships that were forged will hopefully last a lifetime. I will greatly miss all present (and) former players that have been instrumental to the success of the Patterson Lumberjack football program. The program has had a positive influence on my life for a long time, and I will always love and respect everyone that has been involved with it.”
Blanchard, who was introduced as Minton’s successor in February 2014, led the Lumberjacks to two district titles and two playoff appearances during his time as head coach. He compiled an 18-6 mark with a quarterfinal appearance in the 2014 Class 3A playoffs and a regional appearance this season where the Lumberjacks were upset by eventual state semifinalist West Feliciana. Blanchard finished undefeated in district as head coach in both seasons, compiling a combined 10-0 mark.
He was co-District Coach of the Year in 2014 with E.D. White’s Chris Bergeron and Coach of the Year this season.
Prior to taking the head coaching job, Blanchard worked with Minton for 14 years as an assistant coach.
Patterson High School Principal Rachael Sanders could not be reached for comment this morning.