DESPERADOS NAME JERMAINE BLAKELY AS HEAD COACH

    The Texas Desperados have found the man they believe can lead the organization into its next chapter. The Texas Desperados are proud to announce Jermaine Blakely as the team’s Head Coach, adding an experienced arena football leader as the organization prepares to bring professional football to Lufkin and the East Texas community. Blakely brings experience, leadership and an understanding of the arena game to the Desperados.

      His coaching background includes time with the Corpus Christi Tritons of AF1 and the West Texas Warbirds, giving him firsthand experience with the fast-paced, physical style of football the Desperados want to establish in Lufkin. But for the organization, hiring Blakely is about more than his résumé. Building the Desperado Standard The Texas Desperados are building a program centered around discipline, accountability, community and winning, and Blakely’s approach aligns with that vision.

  As Head Coach, he will be responsible for establishing the culture of the locker room, developing the team’s identity on the field and helping build a roster capable of representing East Texas at the professional level. The expectation is simple: compete every night and represent Lufkin the right way. Blakely brings a high-energy approach to the game and a commitment to developing players both on and off the field. His leadership will be instrumental as the Desperados assemble their roster and prepare for their first season as proud members of the AAL. More Than Football Community will also play an important role in the Desperados’ identity. The organization wants its coaches and players to become familiar faces throughout Lufkin and the surrounding communities — supporting local businesses, connecting with young athletes, participating in community events and giving East Texas a professional team it can genuinely call its own. 

   For Blakely, that means his responsibility extends beyond the sidelines. He will be asked to build relationships, mentor athletes and help establish a culture that Lufkin can be proud to support. Professional Football Is Coming to Lufkin The announcement of Blakely as Head Coach represents another major step forward for the Texas Desperados as preparations continue for the 2027 season. With league membership established and the team’s leadership beginning to take shape, attention will now turn toward building the roster and preparing for kickoff. Additional announcements regarding players, coaching staff, tryouts, partnerships, sponsors, community appearances, tickets and the upcoming season will be released as the Desperados continue building toward their debut. 

For Coach Jermaine Blakely, the mission begins now. For Lufkin, a new era of professional football is getting closer. 

Welcome to Lufkin, Coach Blakely. Welcome to the Texas Desperados. Professional Arena Football is coming to East Texas.