Swain County High School announced Tuesday morning that Swain Head Football Coach Neil Blankenship has stepped down from the coaching position effective immediately.
The announcement followed the close of the 2021 season with Eric Stephenson serving as interim coach while Blankenship took a leave of absence to spend time with family.
Blankenship has been involved in the Maroon Devil football program for well over 20 years, serving as defensive coordinator for Sam Pattillo before taking over the head job when Pattillo stepped down.
Swain continued its winning program under Blankenship’s leadership.
In his eight years as head coach, the Maroon Devils were 79-31 under Blankenship, including four Smoky Mountain Conference Championships and three trips to the Western Finals in the 1AA division.
The Maroon Devils, under Blankenship’s guidance, were also the 2012 1AA State Runner-up. During that season the Devils tied the school record for wins in a season with 15.
Blankenship ends his career with the third most wins in school history, behind only Hall of Fame coaches Boyce Deitz (201) and Rod White (94). His 71.82% winning percentage is also third best all time.
Although he is stepping down as head football coach, Blankenship will remain as the athletic director for Swain High School.
“It has been an honor to have been the head football coach at Swain, a dream come true really,” said Blankenship. “I want to take this opportunity to thank our community, our coaching staff and our players for their tremendous support and belief in me over my entire coaching career, as well as allowing me to fulfill a dream come true.”