Brent Graham will take over Salado athletics

Board names new AD, Head Football Coach

Brent Graham will start his new job as Salado I.S.D. Athletic Director and Head Football Coach on April 1. Salado ISD Trustees voted unanimoulsy to hire Graham during a called meeting 7 p.m. March 25.

“I am looking for the opportunity to raise my family in Salado’s upstanding community, where I can make a difference in the lives of young people,” Graham said. “I have always been intrigued by Salado’s rich tradition of academic and athletic success. I have seen the overwhelming commitment to extracurricular activities paralleled with an education that promotes life-long learning.”

Graham is the current assistant head coach/defensive coordinator and special teams coordinator for Sherman High School. The Sherman Bearcats have made four straight playoff appearances since Graham went to work there in 2009. They were back-to-back District Champions 2010-11 and three-time bi-district champions 2010-2012.

The Bearcats were state quarter-finalists in 2011 with back-to-back 10 win seasons.

In 2010, on their way to the state quarter finals, the Bearcats allowed just 19 points per game and 191 yards offense per game.

The Bearcats were 37-12 during the four seasons that Graham coached there.

Prior to joining Sherman, Graham was the recruiting coordinator, secondary coach and director of football operations at the University of Tulsa in 2007-09, when the Golden Hurricanes had back to back C-USA West Division championships in 2007-08. The team also posted the most single season wins in Tulsa history with 11 in 2008.

Graham was the Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Tom Bean High School in 2006-07. Prior to that, he was the Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Strength Coordinator at Mesquite Poteet High School (2004-06), a position he also held at Canton High School in 2003-04. 

He was the sub-varsity offensive and defensive coordinator, as well as a varsity basketball assistant at Allen High School in 2001-03, coaching under Salado alum Tom Westerberg. 

“My prior experiences have enabled me to encompass the tools necessary to build a championship program that Salado ISD eagerly anticipates,” Graham said.

“I am eager to establish a positive environment that supports and enhances an exemplary education for young people,” he stated. “I believe my knowledge, experience and philosophy will complement the needs of the school and allow us to achieve the success that the Salado family wants and deserves.”

Graham holds a bachelor of science from Tarleton State University and an associate of arts from Collin Community College. He hold a Texas standard teaching certificate in secondary business administration, secondary health education and seconday physical education.

Graham is a graduate of Mesquite Poteet High School.

He and his wife Amanda have four children: Maddie, Hudson, Jaxon and Berkley.