Brian Kells steps down as University football coach, Justin Roberts named replacement

University's annual celebratory football banquet closed with a somewhat surprising passing of the torch Thursday night.

Brian Kells resigned as the Titans' head coach after 10 seasons in charge, and the school named offensive coordinator Justin Roberts his replacement, athletic director Staci Hahn confirmed in an email to The News-Journal.

Kells, 45, posted a 55-46 record with the Titans, highlighted by the program's first playoff victory in 2021. University went on the road to Neptune Beach and defeated district champion Fletcher, 35-14.

Oddly enough, Roberts' father, Preston, gave Kells his first coaching breakthrough in 2000 by naming him Deltona High's freshman football coach. Back then, Justin was the varsity team's ball boy.

In a phone interview, Kells said he took December to recharge and reached a final decision to step down last week.

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"I love coaching football, but I think it's time to take a break from it," Kells said. "I always tell the kids that you want to do everything 100%. I wanted to be around for my son, who is in middle school. I didn't want to be partly in and partly out. If I couldn't commit, I felt it was best for me to walk away.

"I'm proud of how we've developed it into it a respectable program, and that people know who University High School is now."

Kells said he will stay on as the school's video production teacher, adding, "That's the beauty of it. I can still be around football, but don't have to be in charge of anything."

Roberts, 31, spent the past nine years as an assistant on Kells' staff. He also oversees the school's weightlifting teams, earning Coach of the Year honors in 2021 as the Titans placed second in the state meet as a team and senior Justin Irizarry became the first school's individual champion.

"I'm obviously excited. I've been pretty loyal to the school, and I'm invested in the community. There have been opportunities other places, but I am happy where I'm at," Roberts said. "It's also bittersweet. You can't tell the story of our school without Coach Kells. He took over at an infant stage of Titan football and brought it to a level of success I don't think anybody expected."

A graduate of rival DeLand High, Roberts played quarterback at Valdosta State. He rushed for 106 yards and two touchdowns during the 2012 season for the four-time NCAA Division II national champion Blazers.

"Justin has a proven track record building relationships with students, teaching fundamentals of both the sport and in life to his athletes and to developing athletes physically and mentally," Hahn said. "We expect a smooth transition for our staff and players with this appointment. (Roberts) has already jumped right into the swing of things and is planning and preparing for the future of the program."

"(Roberts) brings that energy level that maybe I was lacking as I've gotten older," Kells added. "He's a relationship guy, and I'm pumped to see him do great things."

Roberts said there likely will not be many changes at the surface level, perhaps some different routines during practices, but he will consider relinquishing play-calling responsibilities if the right offensive coordinator comes along.

Ravaged by injuries, particularly at the quarterback position, University averaged 14.6 points per game this past season. The year before, however, the Titans scored 27.4 ppg and topped the 40-point mark on four occasions.

In 2017, Roberts' offense featured the Gatorade Florida Player of the Year, running back Lorenzo Lingard.

Lingard, who recently announced plans to transfer to Akron from Florida, totaled 4,831 yards from scrimmage and 67 touchdowns in his four-year varsity career.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: High school football: Roberts replaces Kells as University head coach