Departing Crosby coach cites not having input
In what he called one of the toughest decisions he’s ever had to make, Jeff Riordan has stepped down as Crosby’s head football coach and athletic director after seven seasons.
In those seven seasons, he led the Cougars to 65 wins, six playoff berths, four district championships and a trip to the state semifinals in 2014. He leaves Crosby as the winningest football coach in the school’s history.
“Many things led to this decision. I’ve been struggling with it for a while,” Riordan said. “The biggest deal is that I felt like decisions about athletics were being made without my input, and it’s hard for me to stay around and be accountable for the success of the programs and the safety of these kids when I’m not involved in the decision making.”
Pending board approval, his last day will be March 8.
Riordan said an opportunity came up that was hard for him and his family not to accept, but he could not disclose where that opportunity is. He said it would be announced in the next few weeks.
Berna promoted to Magnolia AD
Magnolia West coach J.D. Berna has been promoted to Magnolia ISD athletic director after three successful seasons leading the Mustangs.
The move for Berna comes on the heels of a 9-3 season in which Magnolia West reached the area round of the playoffs for a second consecutive year. The Mustangs were 25-9 over the past three seasons under Berna and won a district championship two years ago. He replaces Mike Spradlin, who recently left his post at Magnolia ISD for the head coaching job at Rockwall Heath.
While there is no timetable set to hire Berna’s replacement, he will play a key role in that decision. Berna said Magnolia West is looking for a candidate who can uphold the values of the program and keep building on the success that has already been accomplished.
Geist heads to San Antonio
Dulles coach J.L. Geist has been hired for the same position at San Antonio Clark, Northside ISD Stan Laing confirmed.
Geist, 53, was 17-12 in three seasons at Dulles, including an 8-3 mark and playoff appearance in 2018. Geist informed his players at Dulles of his departure during a meeting held Monday morning.
Geist, a 1984 graduate of Bonham, replaces Steve McGhee, who stepped down after nine seasons. McGhee was 33-59 and made the playoffs twice during his tenure at Clark.
This is Geist’s second head coaching job. Before arriving at Dulles in 2016, he was the defensive coordinator at Cedar Park Vista Ridge for seven years. He also has coached at Austin High, Kyle Lehman, St. Pius X and Spring high schools. He also coached boys and girls at the middle-school level in several other sports, including track and field, basketball and wrestling over a 30-year coaching career.