Coleman Independent School District athletic director and high school football coach John Elder is stepping down from his position and leaving the school district the Standard-Times confirmed on Tuesday.
Elder first joined Coleman ISD in 2010 and was named the athletic director in 2013. During his 12 seasons as the Bluecats’ football coach, he compiled an 81-56 record with eight playoff appearances as one of the most consistently competitive programs across Class 3A and 2A.
“Loved our time in Coleman,” Elder said Tuesday by phone. “Met lifelong friends and felt like family to so many. Had the pleasure of coaching some outstanding young men and working with some amazing coaches.”
The Bluecats’ best season with Elder at the helm was in 2021 when they finished 11-1 and advanced to the third round of the postseason. The last two seasons, though, Coleman finished with a combined 6-16 record.
Coleman ISD has not yet confirmed plans for filling in the Athletic Director and football coach positions.
The Bluecats begin their 2026 football season at San Angelo Grape Creek at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28. And after the most recent UIL Reclassification and Realignment, they will compete in District 7-2A Division I with Bangs, Brady, Johnson City LBJ, Mason and San Saba.
Paul Witwer covers high school sports and Angelo State University sports for The San Angelo Standard-Times. Reach him at sports@gosanangelo.com. Follow him on X @Paul_Witwer, Instagram and TikTok at pwitwer_sast.
This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: Coleman coach John Elder steps down after 16 years
Reporting by Paul Witwer, San Angelo Standard-Times / San Angelo Standard-Times
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By Paul Witwer, San Angelo Standard-Times | USA TODAY Network
