The Decatur ISD Board of Trustees formally approved the appointment of Cliff Watkins as the district’s new Athletic Director and Head Football Coach during its regular meeting on Monday, May 11. Watkins, a seasoned program leader with a championship pedigree and a career coaching record of 114-40, joins Decatur ISD to lead the Eagles’ athletic department.
Watkins brings 22 years of coaching experience to Decatur, including over a decade of success as a head coach and athletic administrator. Most recently, he served as the Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Glen Rose High School, where he compiled a 93-35 record and led the Tigers to 10 consecutive undefeated district championships. Under his leadership, Glen Rose reached the UIL State Championship Semifinals in both 2022 and 2023.
“Throughout the hiring process, what stood out most about Coach Watkins was his commitment to developing the entire student-athlete,” said Superintendent Taylor Williams. “He understands that success is not defined solely by what happens on Friday nights, on the court, or in the weight room; it begins in the classroom and extends into the character and culture built within a program. Coach Watkins has a proven track record of leading winning programs, but just as importantly, he invests in building people. He develops coaches, mentors student-athletes, and creates a culture rooted in accountability, growth, and excellence. We are excited to welcome him to Decatur ISD and look forward to the impact he will have on our students and community.”
Throughout his career, Watkins has been a part of highly successful programs that have earned one State Championship, one State Finalist appearance, three State Semifinal appearances, and four State Quarterfinal appearances. He was a member of the 2012 State Championship coaching staff at Stephenville High School and has been involved in 49 playoff wins and 16 district championships.
“Success on the field is important, but developing young men and women of character has always been my highest priority,” said Watkins. “I believe athletics provides one of the greatest platforms to teach discipline, accountability, leadership, toughness, and teamwork. My goal has always been to create a culture where student-athletes excel in competition, in the classroom, and in life."
Prior to his head coaching roles at Glen Rose and Eastland High School, Watkins served as the Offensive Coordinator at Midland Lee High School and the Pass Game Coordinator at Stephenville High School. He began his career with assistant roles at Cisco High School and as a student coach at Tarleton State University.
Watkins’ own athletic background includes a distinguished career as a quarterback. He played at the University of Arizona before transferring to Tarleton State University, where he was a two-year letterman, a Harlon Hill Award Finalist (Division II National Player of the Year), and an Honorable Mention All-American. He holds a B.S. in Exercise and Sports Studies with a minor in Mathematics from Tarleton State.
A native of the region, Watkins expressed excitement about joining the Eagle community. He is joined by his wife, Elisha, and their two daughters: Henley, 17, and Hadley, 11.