Austin Blythe excited for the chance to lead Williamsburg’s football program

WILLIAMSBURG – Austin Blythe recalled contemplating what life would be like after his playing days.

He tried to envision the path when his competitive journey ended. The road led him back to where it all began.

Blythe, his wife, Kiley, and three children moved back to Williamsburg. He wanted to help coach football but wasn’t sure if he would ever want to lead a program. His perspective changed when Curt Ritchie stepped down as the Raiders head coach to take over the Cornell College program.

Austin and Kiley spent time on vacation, discussing the possibility of him replacing his high school coach and father-in-law.

“At the end of the day, I decided that it was it was something that I wanted to pursue and see how good I could be at it,” said Blythe, a 2011 graduate and former all-state lineman for Williamsburg. “I want to continue the success and legacy that Curt established and really just help the kids as athletes and as people. Prepare them for life after high school and just be the best people that they can be. It was just an easy decision once we sat down and talked about it.

“My excitement just continued to rise. I'm looking forward to the opportunity.”

After two seasons as a Raiders assistant, Blythe will take over a program that has made 25 postseasons, four finals appearances and won the Class 3A state title in 2023. The Raiders went 7-3 last season.

“He is a great example of what you want players to be when they leave the program.” Ritchie said. “He is driven, knowledgeable and extremely humble. We are lucky to have him leading the young men in the program.

“He knows what the history of the program is and will continue to take things to a higher level than ever.”

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Blythe enjoyed an impressive career at the University of Iowa, playing in 54 games and earning all-Big Ten and national accolades. The offensive lineman played seven years in the National Football League, taking the field for the Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks. He appeared in 92 games, including 66 as a starter, from 2016-22. Blythe experienced nine playoff contests, including the 2019 Super Bowl with the Rams.

Blythe will attempt to incorporate what he has learned from coaches at all levels, while forming his own brand.

“I think the best coaches that I played for at any level, Curt included, want to leave the players feeling like they don't want to disappoint you,” Blythe said. “Not from fear, but just because of the love, the care and dedication that you pour into them. They want to perform their best for you.

“I think that's why Curt is the coach that he is, especially because he was so good at that. He instilled in his players a level of care and loyalty that he was able to have reciprocated by his players. I think that's the best quality that I found in the best coaches that I've been around.”

Both Ritchies and Blythes have been cornerstones in the Williamsburg community. The love for the Williamsburg community brought them back, set up a business and influenced the decision to throw his hat in the ring.

“We never felt shorted as far as support and love, by the people in the community,” Blythe said. “I think everyone tries to give their best to the students and student-athletes the best chance for success.

“There's a reason we came back and we're living here now. Our kids are going to the school that we grew up going to so, it was a huge factor in applying for the job.”

Blythe’s staff is a work in progress. He praised Ritchie for the staff he put together and said anyone who wants to return is welcome. Blythe also plans to reach out to some old football acquaintances to gauge their interest.

Blythe is also excited about the talent in the program.

“They always have great kids,” Blythe said. “Kids that are involved in everything. Kids that give great effort and are just all-around good kids that bring a good attitude every day to practice. It's been fun being around for these last two years as an assistant coach. Now to be able to put my own touch on the program is going to be challenging, but also super fun.”

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com