Week 6
School: Jack Yates High School
Years Coaching: 23
How long have you been coaching? Where did your career begin? College\university you attended?
I've been coaching football for 23 years, and my coaching journey began during my senior year at Alcorn State University. At the time, I was a 1st Team All-Conference offensive lineman and a Black College Preseason All-American. I had only given up one sack in three years. Unfortunately, a heart condition ended my playing career, but my passion for the game never faded. Recognizing my football IQ and leadership, my coaches gave me the opportunity to serve as a Student Coach, which later transitioned into a Graduate Assistant position at Alcorn State.
Eventually, I returned home to Houston, where I began coaching little league football with the Garden Villa Giants. That season, we advanced all the way to the National Championship in Florida. Around the same time, I earned my Texas Teaching Certificate and started my high school coaching career. My high school coaching journey started at Yates High School for one year, then to Worthing High School where I spent 14 years, followed by two years at Madison High School, and finally back to Yates as the Offensive Line Coach and now as the Head Football Coach.
This is my first season as Head Coach, and we've started 6-0. More importantly, we're rebuilding the legacy of Pride, Excellence, and Tradition in the 3rd Ward community. While Yates has had winning seasons in recent years, we're bringing back the dominant mindset that once made this program a powerhouse during an era when we made the playoffs 38 straight years, won 23 consecutive district titles, captured a state championship in 1985, and reached the state finals again in 1992.
Why do you coach?
My coaching philosophy centers on building strong relationships. When trust and belief are established, doubt disappears. On the field, I'm focused on teaching more than football. I aim to instill life values like discipline, dedication, teamwork, and responsibility. Just like life, football is about preparation before the game. Games are won long before kickoff.
What is the most rewarding\fulfilling part of your job?
To me, the real victories are the moments when former players walk across the graduation stage, then come back years later to tell me how the lessons they learned in football helped them succeed in life. That's the true impact of coaching.
In your opinion, what is the most misunderstood thing about the coaching profession?
One of the most misunderstood parts of this profession is how much time it takes to prepare for a game. There are days when my daughter is asleep when I leave in the morning and already asleep when I get home. Sometimes, I go two or three days without a real conversation with my family. It's a sacrifice, but one I make to help build something lasting for these young men and our community.
Please share the importance of what your staff/ players are doing for your community?
At Yates High School, our staff and players are more than just educators and athletes. We are role models, mentors, and community leaders. Our involvement in the community reflects our school's deep-rooted commitment to service, leadership, and pride. Whether we're wearing our jerseys volunteering at local events, supporting youth mentorship programs, or supporting food and clothing drives, our players understand that wearing the Yates jersey means representing not just the school, but the entire Third Ward community. By showing discipline on the field and compassion off it, we're helping to uplift the next generation, foster unity, and keep the legacy of Yates strong. Our staff works tirelessly to guide our student athletes in not only academics and athletics but in becoming citizens who lead with heart and purpose in their community.
