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SMITHVILLE — Smithville Independent School District recently announced the hiring of Darby House as its new athletic director and head football coach.
House replaces former AD and head football coach Layne Neumann, who resigned in December. He brings an offensive background and record of turning programs around throughout his coaching career.
“Smithville has a proud tradition of excellence in academics and athletics, and I look forward to building on that foundation, developing strong student athletes, fostering a culture of discipline and teamwork, and competing at the highest level,” House said.
House spent the past three seasons as AD and head football coach at Nacogdoches High School. During his tenure, he compiled an 11-19 record, with his most successful season coming this past fall when he led the Dragons to a 6-5 record and their first postseason appearance in five years.
In his second season at Nacogdoches, House was named one of Dave Campbell’s Top 10 Underrated Coaches in Texas Football.
“Having spent the past nine years as an athletic director and head football coach, coach House brings a wealth of experience and an impressive track record of leadership and success across athletic programs,” Superintendent Molley Ealy said in a statement.
The rebuild begins as House takes over a Smithville program that has gone 0-20 over the past two seasons and has not reached the playoffs in five years.
His work began Monday, Jan. 26.
