Flanked by family and friends, 1988 Brownwood High School graduate Sammy Burnett was named Brownwood High School athletic director/head football coach before a packed house Thursday at the administration building.
Burnett comes to Brownwood from Farmsville ISD, where has held the same position since 2012. In eight seasons there, Burnett made seven playoff appearances and earned a 58-32 record. Burnett was named the Dave Campbell Texas Football 3A Coach of the Year in 2016 after amassing an 11-2 record.
Aside from football, Burnett has experience as a head track and baseball coach. While coaching baseball, Burnett’s team won a state championship and he earned a TAPPS Coach of the Year award while at Shiner St. Paul High School.
Burnett is the first recipient of the Kyle Crews Memorial Scholarship. While in high school, Burnett earned All-District and Honorable Mention honors, as well as All-State Defensive Back while playing for Coaches Gordon Wood and Randy Allen. Burnett also lettered three years as an All-District and All-State Baseball player.
As the first Brownwood High School graduate to lead the Lions in the modern era, Burnett also earned a Coca-Cola National Educator of Distinction Award and holds a Bachelors of Science Degree from Howard Payne University. He and wife Kathleen, previously an attorney and now a teacher, have four children, ages 24, 15, 12 and 6.
BISD Superintendent Dr. Joe Young was pleased with the trustees’ selection of Burnett. “We are extremely excited for Coach Burnett to be our next athletic director and head football coach. His success as an athletic director and coach stand alone, but when combined with his background as a Brownwood Lion, it is a unique opportunity for greatness. His experience and high levels of excellence in multiple sports will help all of our Lions and Lady Lions programs excel.”
Dallas Houston, “Voice of the Lions” was unable to attend the event, but sent a video message, welcoming Burnett back to Brownwood.
Burnett spoke to the crowd for just a few minutes, but thanked Young, the board and everyone who has “helped him along the way.” Shortly after the meet and greet, Burnett visited the high school to meet his new football team.
New BHS athletic direct Sammy Burnett is joined by his wife Kathleen and three of his four children.
Dallas Huston, who was unable to attend the announcement of Burnett’s hiring, sent a video message welcoming Burnett and his family “home”-back to Brownwood.