Moebes returns to Huntsville, bringing championship experience and a commitment to building champions
Unanimous Approval for Moebes’ Hiring
HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Huntsville Independent School District (HISD) has officially named Todd Moebes as the district’s new Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the hiring during a special called meeting on Monday, March 17, filling the vacancy left by longtime coach Rodney Southern’s retirement.
Superintendent Dr. Scott Sheppard expressed confidence in Moebes’ leadership, emphasizing his history of success in Texas high school athletics.
“Huntsville ISD is excited to welcome Todd Moebes as our new Athletic Director and Head Football Coach,” Sheppard said. “Coach Moebes comes to us from Lockhart ISD, where he changed the culture and guided their athletic programs to historic success. He has the perfect background to honor our past Hornet traditions while continuing to improve all of our highly successful athletic programs and our belief in building champions.”
Moebes’ hiring follows Southern’s impactful tenure with the Hornets. The outgoing coach was commended for his contributions to the community and student-athletes. During the meeting, district officials acknowledged Southern’s role in shaping Huntsville’s athletic programs and thanked him for his dedication.
Moebes’ Background in Texas High School Football
Moebes’ career has been marked by leadership and success at multiple levels of high school athletics. A standout player at Katy High School, he was a three-year letterman and captain for both the football and baseball teams, earning First Team All-State honors as a first baseman. His experience at one of Texas’ most successful high school football programs set the stage for his future in coaching.
Moebes continued his athletic career at Sam Houston State University, playing linebacker for the Bearkats from 1997 to 2000. As a senior, he was named team captain, a role that foreshadowed his future as a coach and mentor. His time at Sam Houston built a strong connection with Huntsville, making his return to the city a meaningful step in his career.
A Coaching Career Defined by Championships
After graduating from Sam Houston, Moebes returned to Katy High School to begin his coaching career. While at Katy, he contributed to one of Texas’ most storied football programs, helping the team win a state championship in 2003 and return to the title game in 2005.
His coaching journey continued in 2007 when he was recruited as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator at Abilene Cooper High School. The program, known for its strong football tradition, saw Moebes play a key role in leading its defensive strategies.
In 2011, Moebes was promoted to Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Abilene Cooper. Over seven seasons, he led the Cougars to two district titles and 17 playoff games in one of Texas’ most competitive districts and regions. His leadership extended beyond football, with a strong emphasis on supporting all athletic programs within the district.
Moebes later took on the challenge of revitalizing Lockhart High School’s football program. During his tenure, he transformed the team’s culture and guided them to historic success. His ability to turn programs around and elevate them to a higher standard became a defining characteristic of his coaching career.
Huntsville Board of Trustees Emphasizes Leadership
During the Huntsville ISD board meeting, Trustee J.T. Langley highlighted Moebes’ role as both an Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, underscoring the importance of leadership across all sports programs.
“I’d like to make a motion to hire Todd Moebes as our new athletic director and head football coach,” Langley said. “That’s important—we have ‘athletic director’ in front of ‘football coach,’ and I know every other coach in this district wants to hear that too.”
Following Langley’s motion, Board Member Stout seconded the nomination, leading to a unanimous vote in favor of Moebes’ hiring.
Moebes’ Vision for Huntsville Athletics
Moebes, accompanied by his wife Sheri and daughter Keeley, expressed his gratitude to the board and the Huntsville community.
“It’s a tremendous honor to have the confidence of the board and to be here today,” Moebes said. “Huntsville and the five years I spent at Sam Houston State certainly helped shape me into who I am now. I see this as an opportunity to give back. The tremendous legacy that Coach Southern has built is a baton I’m firmly gripping, ready to take to another level.”
Moebes emphasized his commitment to continuing Huntsville ISD’s strong athletic tradition and fostering excellence across all programs.
“We’re just looking forward to building more relationships, shaking more hands, and continuing to wrap our arms around this community,” he said. “We’re going to build champions in every relationship that we get.”
Speaking with Rob Hipp of Hello Huntsville after the announcement, Moebes shared that the decision to return to Huntsville was deeply personal, shaped by both his past experiences and his family’s values. “I’ve got three school-age children, and public education is the family business in our house,” Moebes said. “When it really came down to it, it was just the people. I have built tremendous relationships with people that live in Huntsville from the five years that I spent here, and it just felt like home. So it was an easy decision.”
He also acknowledged the impact of outgoing coach Rodney Southern, recognizing the foundation Southern built within the program and community. “Everybody that I’ve talked to—coaches, players, community members—agree that influence matters. To be able to have an impact on young people and leave a legacy is what this job is about. There’s no doubt that Coach Southern has left a tremendous legacy,” Moebes said. “That’s an honor to be a part of, and I’m excited to build on that and keep moving this program forward.”
A Warm Welcome for Moebes
The board and community members gave Moebes a standing ovation, officially welcoming him to his new role. As part of the ceremony, outgoing coach Rodney Southern presented Moebes with a Hornet jersey and hat, symbolizing the transition in leadership.
Board members also acknowledged the support of Sam Houston State University connections within the Huntsville community, including coaches and former Bearkat athletes who attended the meeting.
Looking Ahead: Moebes Takes Over Immediately
Moebes is set to assume his new role immediately, beginning the process of evaluating Huntsville’s athletic programs and preparing for the upcoming football season. His experience in leading competitive teams and fostering school-wide athletic success is expected to bring new energy to the Hornets’ program.
With a proven track record of success in Texas high school football, a commitment to leadership, and deep ties to Huntsville, Moebes is well-positioned to guide Huntsville ISD’s athletics into its next era of success.
By the Numbers: Coach Todd Moebes’ Career
- Overall Head Coaching Record: 76 wins – 75 losses
- Abilene Cooper High School (2011–2017):
- Overall Record: 54–34
- Playoff Appearances: 7 consecutive seasons
- Regional Semifinal Appearances: 5
- Playoff Record: 11–7
- District Championships: 2
- Notable: Third all-time in wins at Abilene Cooper
- Lockhart High School (2019–2024):
- Playoff Appearances: 3 (2019, 2022, 2023)
- 2022 Season: 8–4 record; first playoff win since 2015
- 2023 Season: 4–7 overall; 3–3 district record
- 2024 Season: 2–8 overall; 2–6 district record
- Playing Career:
- Sam Houston State University (1997–2000):
- Position: Linebacker
- Team Captain: Senior year
- Sam Houston State University (1997–2000):
- Coaching Career:
- Katy High School (2002–2006):
- Roles: Assistant Coach
- State Championship Appearances: 2
- State Championship Title: 2003
- Abilene Cooper High School (2007–2010):
- Roles: Defensive Coordinator, Special Teams Coordinator, Recruiting Coordinator
- Playoff Record as Assistant: 25–7
- District Titles as Assistant: 5
- State Championship Appearances as Assistant: 2
- State Championship Title as Assistant: 1
- Katy High School (2002–2006):
- Educational Background:
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Mathematics
- Alma Mater: Sam Houston State University
- Community Engagement:
- Abilene Cooper Initiatives:
- “Back the Red & Blue”: Collaboration with local first responders
- “Coogs for the Cure”: Raised over $90,000 for breast cancer awareness
- Abilene Cooper Initiatives:
Download the official HISD Press Release Below
