Central Catholic coach Santiago dies at 67
Central Catholic football coach Mike Santiago died at his home Thursday following a battle with cancer, the school announced.
He was 67. “Coach Santiago cared deeply for all his players and the Central Catholic football program,” school president Jason Longoria said in a statement. “He leaves a legacy of passion and care for every player he had the privilege of coaching. His love for tradition of excellence is something to be admired by all. He will be missed dearly by all.”
Santiago coached the Buttons for the last six seasons.
A native of Baltimore,
Santiago was named the first head football coach at Incarnate Word in 2007 and coached the Cardinals as an NCAA Division II independent program for one season and then two more in the Lone Star Conference from 2009-11 before stepping down.
Prior to that, he was the head coach at Stephen F. Austin from 1999-2004. He led the Lumberjacks to the Southland Conference title in 1999.
“It is never easy to lose someone you love, and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Rochelle, and two sons, Dallas and Tyler,” SFA athletic director Ryan Ivey said in a statement. “Coach left an impact on Lumberjack football, and he and his 1999 Southland
Conference championship team will continue to
be remembered and celebrated for years to come.”
Santiago also served as an assistant at Lamar,
North Carolina State, Northern Arizona, Western Michigan, Texas State, Mcneese State and Utah State during a 36year coaching career.
Santiago left coaching after UIW. He returned in 2017 when he became the coach at Central Catholic.
The Buttons were 33-28 under Santiago. Their best season came in 2021, when they went 9-3 and advanced to the TAPPS Division I state semifinals.
“For now, please keep Coach Santiago and his family in your thoughts and prayers,” Longoria said. “Let’s join together as a community to uplift and support them, providing the strength and comfort they need as they navigate this new journey without him.”