News Summary

The Texas high school football scene is witnessing a significant coaching crisis as burnout and mental health challenges drive many coaches away from their positions. With an alarming 20% annual attrition rate, schools like Frisco Liberty exemplify the struggles coaches face. Despite salary increases in some districts, systemic issues contribute to the instability, raising concerns about the future of the sport in the state. As coaching demographics shift and public scrutiny intensifies, the beloved tradition of Texas football may be at risk.

Coaching Crisis: A Tough Season for Texas High School Football

In the bustling state of Texas, where high school football is not just a sport but a way of life, coaches are feeling the heat more than ever. As the 2025 season approaches, many are stepping away from the sidelines, and the reasons behind this exodus reveal a startling trend affecting teams across the Lone Star State.

The Rise and Fall of Frisco Liberty’s Coach

Take the case of Matt Swinnea, who had a promising start at Frisco Liberty, leading the team to a remarkable 10-2 record in 2021—an impressive feat that marked the school’s second-most wins in history. However, after that high, things went south. After he started his journey with a dismal 0-10 record in 2018, Swinnea ended his career with a less-than-glamorous 1-29 record over the last three seasons. The low point came during a staggering 64-7 loss to Prosper Walnut Grove. With only 28 players on the varsity roster—less than 2% of Liberty’s total enrollment—Swinnea felt more than just a competitive edge slip away; he felt the ultimate exhaustion of a long battle fought in what turned out to be a losing season.

The Bigger Picture: A Statewide Crisis

This isn’t just a solitary story of one coach’s journey. It’s reflective of a larger trend sweeping through Texas high school football, where the average attrition rate among coaches is now a shocking 20% annually. With 21% of 11-man public high schools in Texas changing their football head coaches during the most recent offseason, the rate of turnover has never been higher. In total, there were 235 football head coaching changes at UIL schools, with Class 2A and Class 5A experiencing the most shake-ups.

The Stress of Coaching

So, what’s going on? Well, there are a number of factors contributing to this crisis. Many coaches are stepping away due to burnout and mounting mental health challenges. In fact, the Texas High School Coaches Association has reported that many coaches retire or leave for various reasons—some seek admin roles, while others pursue non-educational careers altogether.

Compensation and Support Issues

In a bid to tackle these challenges, certain districts, like Dallas ISD, have adjusted salaries to better compete with other districts. Coaches in this area now earn an average of over $122,000 a year, which is quite enticing amid the chaos. However, even with these adjustments, many inner-city districts struggle under pressure to provide adequate resources and support for their teams.

Changing Dynamics and New Faces

There is even a noticeable shift in the coaching demographic. More often than not, younger coaches are entering the scene, treating coaching as a backup plan instead of a primary career. Unfortunately, this trend leads to higher turnover rates and a continuous cycle of instability for many teams.

The Impact of Social Media and Public Scrutiny

Furthermore, with the rise of social media, coaches find themselves under a microscope more than ever. Public opinion is swift and sometimes harsh, adding pressure that can lead to even more stress and burnout. In response to these demands, coaching workloads are increasing; the UIL has expanded allowances for offseason coaching, which means even more time dedicated away from family and personal life.

Final Thoughts: A Changing Game

As Texas high school football stands at a crossroads, the stories of coaches like Swinnea represent more than individual struggles. They illuminate a larger issue within the coaching profession, where expectations are high, resources may be lacking, and the mental toll is more significant than ever. As the number of job openings within high school football continues to grow and the culture surrounding coaching evolves, it begs the question: how can Texas maintain its coveted football tradition if the very leaders of its teams are worn out and walking away?

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