HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Teddy Keaton wanted a piece of the Huntington Heroes. Now he has the whole thing.

Last year as the head coach of the Lakeland Thunderbolts, Keaton wanted to play the Heroes in the American Indoor Football Association indoor football championship game.

Lakeland reached the title game and won, but Huntington was beaten in the first round.

Keaton will have more of a hand in the Heroes playoff fortunes this season after being named the team’s new head coach Tuesday.

“I chose to come to Huntington because I like the direction that the organization was heading,” said Keaton.

“I was looking forward to playing Huntington in the championship game last year and was disappointed that that didn’t happen. Now I look forward to leading them there.”

In two years as the head coach and director of football operations with Lakeland, Keaton led the Thunderbolts to a 27-5 record, two Atlantic Division South titles, and the first-ever AIFA Bowl championship.

Keaton replaces Garry McPeak who resigned due to schedule conflicts after being named principal at Fairview High School in Ashland, Ky.

The Heroes made additional changes.

The new offensive coordinator and assistant general manager is Kenny Johnson who worked with Keaton at Lakeland.

In front office moves, the Heroes named Jack Bowman as President of Operations. He will split time as the national director of the AIFA.

Chip Rossetti was named the team’s new general manager. He was the director of sales, marketing and promotions for the Evansville BlueCats last year.

NOTE: The Heroes will conduct open tryouts on Saturday, Nov. 10. Anyone interested should contact Keaton at (863) 808-9813, or the Heroes offices at (304) 871-6800 or online at www.heroesindoorfootball.com