Texas Panhandle Football Shakeup: Tulia Needs Coach, Moves to 2A

Well, we aren't but seven days into the new year, but a change has already happened in relation to high school football in the Texas Panhandle. This isn't usually a time we hear about changes happening, but here we are.

This change involves a school that is dropping in class after UIL reclassifications and a coach who is moving on. That's a lot of change for one year.

Tulia Looking For A New Coach

Fred Jordan had been holding it down in Tulia for the last two seasons, and it's been a bit of a grind for the school. They've flashed well at times, and even started the season 2-1 in 2025, but faltered at the end with seven straight losses.

Jordan stepped down from his position as head football coach yesterday, January 6, "to pursue new opportunities aligned with my long-term professional goals."

What's Next For Tulia

Well, obviously, they'll gather a crew and begin searching for their next head coach. That person will be tasked with trying to turn around a program that has gone 5-16 over the last two seasons. They did reach the playoffs in 2024, but did so with a 3-8 record.

Tulia has shown a propensity for putting points on the board at times, but they've been very inconsistent in doing so. The next coach will need to figure out how to maximize the offense while shoring up the defense.

Classification Move For 2026

One thing that might help Tulia along the way in 2026 is a classification change. A UIL realignment has them moving from Class 3A Division II, down to Class 2A Division I. The slide down to 2A could make the Hornets a bit more competitive.