Brownwood ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved Coach Chuck Howard as the new BISD Athletic Director and Brownwood High School Head Football Coach at a special called meeting on Thursday.
According to BISD Superintendent Reece Blincoe, the board did not meet in closed session but rather chose to meet in open session.
“Before the meeting, I had emailed all of the board members asking them to email me if they had any concerns or questions,” said Blincoe. “I didn’t get any response so when we met today; I recommended we meet in open session unless anyone desired to go to closed session. Roderick Jones made a motion, a second was made by Brad Jetton, followed by a unanimous vote and tons of clapping.”
Blincoe stated that he had had his eye on Howard for the position for about a year, as an opportunity had come to Coach Bob Shipley about a year ago but did not work out.
“It was great to have a year to watch him and get to know him better,” said Blincoe. “I had the chance to watch him interact with the kids and parents. I also had occasion to visit with him at some 5Ks we ran recently.”
Monday, when the news broke about Coach Shipley’s resignation, Blincoe stated he received “tons” of positive feedback about Coach Howard, who served as co-defensive coordinator, as a possibility for the position.
“Monday, I got tons of positive feedback, zero negative. The kids, parents and the coaches for the most part are really happy,” said Shipley. “This came as a natural fit. The high school administration will also tell you Coach Howard is a great teacher.”
Howard has signed a two year commitment; the same as Shipley had signed when he first came to BHS, said Blincoe.
“We asked him to commit to us for quite a while. His son is an upcoming freshman, so we hope he will stay at least long enough to get him through school,” said Blincoe. “His family enjoys being here in Brownwood.”
Howard began his coaching career coming to Brownwood in 1988 to coach at Howard Payne. Four years ago, he came back to Brownwood with Shipley from Coppell. Howard stated that it has been his goal for 24 years to get to this position. He thanked his wife Brandy, Coach Shipley, his father, coaches he had in the past, and the board members.
“I want to thank Coach Shipley; he took a chance on me 5 years ago at Coppell. He’s a fantastic coach, mentor and friend,” said Howard. “I want to thank him for all he’s done for me.”
Regarding the position, Howard stated that he is thankful and ready to begin as athletic director and as the head coach.
“It’s overwhelming, Brownwood is considered to be one of the top two or three coaching jobs in the state” said Howard. “I feel honored to follow great coaches such as Gordon Wood, Coach Freeman, and Shipley. I embrace the challenge.”
The positives Howard outlined about his new position were that he understands Brownwood and the students involved in the program.
“The advantage of these past four years is that I understand Brownwood now more than I did 20 years ago, I know the expectations and the traditions,” said Howard. “I know the kids and the kids know me. I think we will be ready to hit the grass running.”
Howard will be greeted in his new position as athletic director with challenges of filling vacated positions of high school soccer and volleyball coaches as well as another coaching position at the middle school. He stated that he has been coached and mentored by great men of character, with great faith such as Jerry Taylor, Bill Anderson, Guy Grover and Shipley; and that he plans to continue the tradition of having a staff with coaches of the same character and strong beliefs.
Howard and his wife Brandy have three children Connor who is 14, Cidnee who is 12, and 2 year-old Carsen. Pictured above are the Howards.
