Carmel Catholic names Annen new coach

Carmel Catholic has named Blake Annen its new head football coach.

The high school said in a news release Annen, 26, comes to Carmel with an extensive background that has prepared him well for his new role as head football coach. That background includes a brief stint as a tight end for the Chicago Bears.

Annen spent last fall as the head football coach at Lake Forest Academy, which played eight-man football for the first time. He has also served as director of EFT Football Academy for EFT Sports Performance since 2016.

Annen played high school football in Ohio and then at the University of Cincinnati. Undrafted in 2014, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles but was released before the start of the NFL season. The Bears signed him to their practice squad in September, and he was promoted to the active roster in November. He made his NFL debut on Nov. 23, 2014 against Tampa Bay and played five games that season.

The Bears released him the following September. He then spent time on the practice squads of New Orleans, Green Bay and Buffalo.

"Coach Annen brings a wealth of football knowledge and experience to our football program, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Carmel Catholic community," Carmel president Dr. Brad Bonham said. "Our student-athletes are fortunate to have him as their head coach."