Tyler Lee Turning To State Champion Coach Joe Willis

Well, for the numerous skeptics or just the few that were a bit uncomfortable about the possibilities, here it is. It ain't Art Briles

Tyler ISD is done with their months long search for a new head football coach. Athletic officials have named former Colleyville Heritage head coach Joe Willis to the same position with the Red Raiders, replacing the exiting Kurt Traylor after 3 years on the job.

Traylor had compiled a 14-17 record in his 3 years which included Tyler Lee's 1st playoff appearance since 2014. He left the position to coach tight ends and fullbacks for his brother Jeff at UTSA.

Joe Willis brings his impressive resume into East Texas that includes a 10 win per season average, 27 years of coaching, and a 4A Division 2 State Championship in 2012 with Cedar Park High School. Willis is an East Texas Baptist University graduate who has compiled a record of 90-38 as a head coach and according to Denton Ryan Head Coach Dave Henigan, "is not only great with the kids, but very well respected among coaches and a great hire". Ryan and Heritage have competed in the same district for several years in the past. In the 2019 playoffs, Willis' Panthers went 4 rounds before getting bounced by Henigans Raiders.