About Us

Adrian Morton, A seasoned leader in high school football, concluded his tenure as head coach of the Ballard High School football team in 2023, leaving a legacy of unparalleled success over seven transformative seasons.

A two-time Coach of the Year honoree in 2022 by both the Kentucky Football Coaches Association and the Greater Louisville Football Coaches Association, Morton guided the Bruins to within seconds of their second-ever state championship game appearance. His leadership saw the program achieve five consecutive winning seasons and postseason berths, elevating Ballard High School football to unprecedented heights.

Morton’s 2022 season was particularly historic, highlighted by landmark victories that ended a 27-year drought against Trinity and a 13-year gap since the last win over Male. His tenure concluded with a 40-24 record in KHSAA 6A play, including an impressive 30-9 record against fellow public and non-traditional schools. Under his guidance, the Bruins finished among Kentucky’s top eight teams four times, and Morton earned the Kentucky Football Coaches Association 6A District 5 Coach of the Year title in 2017, 2018, and 2022.

Morton’s dedication to player development is reflected in the 33 athletes who earned college scholarships under his mentorship. As of August 2024, 31 of his former players were actively competing in college football. Notable alumni include Marshon Ford and Josh Minkins (University of Louisville), Journey Wyche (UT Chattanooga), and Gavin Willis (Bucknell University).

Beyond team success, Morton has received national recognition as a 2018 American Football Coaches Top 35 Under 35 nominee. He also served as the Kentucky Football Coaches Association 6A Region Representative and was the head coach for the Greater Louisville Football Coaches Association East/West All-Star Game in 2017.

Before assuming the head coaching role at Ballard, Morton spent five seasons as an assistant coach at Manual High School, serving as defensive coordinator during his final year. In addition to his coaching accomplishments, he devoted 11 years as a Special Education teacher at Ballard, exemplifying his deep commitment to education and mentorship.

A four-year letter winner at Georgetown College, Morton earned a B.A. in Communication Media Studies in 2007. He later pursued advanced studies, earning a Master’s in Special Education in 2014 and an M.A. in Leadership Studies from Morehead State University in 2017.

Originally from Lexington, Adrian Morton now resides in Louisville with his fiancée, Jennifer, and their children: Gavin, Nixon, Grayson, Hudson, and Houston.