Why Texas High School Football Coaches Are Leaving: The Impact of Burnout and Mental Health Challenges

Matt Swinnea’s coaching journey took a surprising turn. Back in 2021, he led Frisco Liberty to its second-best record ever at 10-2. Just three years earlier, the team had ended a season with a painful 0-10 record. Despite this turnaround, Swinnea recently made the tough decision to step down.

In the past three years, Liberty has struggled with a 1-29 record. The team’s lowest point came with a lopsided 64-7 loss to Prosper Walnut Grove, a school with only two years of varsity competition. Liberty’s varsity roster had only 28 players, a number usually seen in much smaller schools.

Swinnea, 56, said, “I’m a competitive person, and we were no longer competitive.” After achieving a fantastic season in 2021, the drastic drop in performance left him feeling worn out. The energy needed to rebuild a competitive team just wasn’t there anymore.

He spent 35 years coaching, with six years at Liberty. The demands of coaching have changed significantly over recent years. Many coaches now juggle multiple roles, such as serving as athletic coordinators or directors, which makes their jobs even more demanding. Swinnea noted, “It is truly a 365-day-a-year job.”

Recent statistics from the Texas High School Coaches Association show that about 21% of high schools in Texas are hiring new head football coaches this season. Joe Martin, the association’s executive director, reported a yearly attrition rate of about 20%. Burnout and rising expectations are mainly fueling these changes. Many coaches feel immense pressure to build winning teams quickly, while facing the evolving landscape of recruiting.

Martin pointed out, “Social media has created mental health issues in every phase of life, including coaching.” The stress is palpable, leading many coaches to rethink their paths.

In the past year, many districts, including Dallas ISD, have made salary adjustments to help retain coaches. Dallas ISD’s adjustments have placed their coaching salaries among the highest in North Texas, offering a one-time bonus and higher base pay.

Interestingly, the recent changes are not all about performance. Some coaches have left for tragic reasons, while others retired or transitioned to other roles. For instance, two coaches in the Dallas area passed away this offseason, making headlines and further deepening the conversation about mental health in the profession.

The dynamics of recruiting high school talent have also shifted. After recent NCAA rule changes allowing college athletes to profit from their names and images, high school coaches are now tasked with preparing players for a new reality. This can put additional pressure on schools, as athletes now expect guidance on navigating potential college contracts.

Duncanville’s legendary coach, Reginald Samples, shared his experiences with turnover. His assistants have been promoted to head coaching jobs elsewhere, which can complicate building a cohesive team. As he said, “The tenure for coaches wanting success is shortening.”

The shrinking time frame for proving oneself is evident across the board. Coaches are now facing more scrutiny and less time to establish a solid program than in the past. Many are worrying that coaching isn’t the dream job it used to be.

As young, ambitious coaches enter the field, many are initially looking at coaching as a secondary option, rather than a lifelong career. This trend is raising concerns about the future of high school sports.

Amid these challenges, the Texas High School Coaches Association, the largest in the nation with nearly 28,000 members, continues to evolve. About 15% of its members are newcomers, trying to find their footing in a fast-changing landscape.

As school districts adapt to these changes, it remains crucial that they also pay attention to the mental health and support systems in place for their coaches. After all, a strong and well-supported coaching staff is vital for the success of high school sports teams.

For more insights into the evolving trends in Texas high school football, you can visit Dave Campbell’s Texas Football for comprehensive coverage.

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