DeSoto ISD Celebrates Head Football Coach Claude Mathis as 2026 NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas Coach of the Year
DeSoto Independent School District proudly announces that Claude Mathis, head football coach of DeSoto High School, has been named the 2026 Class 6A High School Coach of the Year by the NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas.
Mathis will be formally recognized during the organization’s 17th Annual Awards Banquet on March 28 in Plano, Texas, where he will be honored alongside other distinguished leaders in football and community service across North Texas.
This recognition underscores Mathis’ exceptional leadership and the sustained excellence of the DeSoto High School football program. Under his guidance, the Eagles have established themselves as a national powerhouse, capturing UIL Class 6A state championships in 2022, 2023, and 2025, while consistently advancing to the playoffs each season since his return in 2019.
“Coach Mathis exemplifies the very best of DeSoto ISD,” said DeSoto ISD Interim Superintendent Brent Mitchell. “His commitment to excellence extends far beyond the football field. He is a builder of young men, a champion for academic success, and a leader who instills discipline, integrity, and purpose in every scholar-athlete he serves.”
Mathis is a highly accomplished and visionary leader in Texas high school athletics, known for building nationally recognized, championship-caliber programs while prioritizing student development and community impact. Since returning to DeSoto Independent School District in 2019, Mathis has led the DeSoto Eagles to sustained success, including undefeated seasons, multiple district titles, and back-to-back UIL Class 6A Division II State Championships.
With a career that includes successful tenures at Marshall ISD and Southern Methodist University, Mathis has consistently demonstrated excellence both on and off the field. During his initial stint at DeSoto (2008–2014), he compiled an impressive 74–18 record, led deep playoff runs, and helped establish the program as a national powerhouse.
Beyond football, Mathis has contributed to broader athletic success, including leading a state championship boys track team, and has earned numerous honors such as multiple Coach of the Year awards and recognition from state leadership for his community service and mentorship. His legacy is defined not only by wins and titles, but by his commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes and strengthening the DeSoto community.
The NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas annually recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the game of football while positively shaping their communities. Mathis’ selection highlights both his on-field success and his unwavering dedication to developing student-athletes who excel in the classroom and in life.
As DeSoto ISD continues its mission to ensure excellence for all students, the district celebrates this milestone as a reflection of the powerful connection between athletics, academics, and community leadership.