Chris Napier Appointed as New Football Coach and Athletic Director

Airport, South Carolina – Chris Napier has been appointed as the new football coach and athletic director at Airport High School, following a unanimous decision made at the Lexington 2 school board meeting on May 5, 2025. Napier’s appointment comes as he takes over from Shane Fidler, who recently left the position to assume the role of athletic director at White Knoll.

Napier expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and conveyed his enthusiasm for the role, indicating he is “truly honored and humbled” to join Airport High School. His vision includes enhancing the rich traditions of Eagle athletics while supporting the student-athletes, staff, and the wider community. As he begins his new responsibilities, Napier will have to catch up on spring football practice, which is already underway.

Experience and Background

Prior to this appointment, Chris Napier has been involved in education and athletics in various capacities. He has been serving as an assistant principal at Newberry High School since 2023 and previously contributed to the coaching staff at River Bluff. In the last year, he worked as an offensive consultant for Newberry High’s football team.

Napier brings a wealth of coaching experience with him, having worked at high school and collegiate levels across four states including West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, and North Carolina. Notably, he held a position as head coach and offensive coordinator at LaGrange College in Georgia in 2014. He is recognized as the third head coach for Airport High School in a span of four seasons, marking a significant transition from the stability experienced from 2004 to 2021, where the school had just one coach.

Current State of the Program

Under the previous coaching staff, the Eagles had a challenging season in 2024, finishing with a record of 2-9 and being eliminated in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs. The team currently features a promising young roster, including standout all-region selections such as freshman quarterback Delreco Eady, T/DE Ben Humphries, and DE Daniel Butts. The return of these talented athletes will provide a solid foundation for Napier as he steps into his new role.

Coaching Landscape in the Midlands

Napier’s hiring is part of a broader wave of changes in coaching staff throughout the Midlands region, with an expected 13 new head coaches being appointed in various area teams by August. This trend highlights the dynamic nature of high school athletics, particularly as schools attempt to rebuild and reform their programs.

Confirmation and Future Aspirations

The appointment was recommended by Lexington School District Two Superintendent Dr. Brenda Hafner and received approval from the Board of Trustees. Airport High School Principal Matt Schilit has expressed optimism regarding Napier’s leadership and extensive coaching experience, and he looks forward to supporting him in the progression of Eagle athletics.

Educational Background

Chris Napier holds an associate degree from Ashland Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Marshall University, and both a master’s degree and an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from the University of the Cumberlands. His diverse educational background complements his extensive coaching experience.