The DeSoto ISD named DeSoto High School Head Football Coach Claude Mathis the district’s new Director of Athletics--a position Mathis will lead in conjunction with his duties as Head Football Coach for the Eagles.
Mathis brings more than 20 years of experience as a coach and leader to his role as the district’s Athletics Director where he will be responsible for the administration of all district athletic programs.
Following Mathis’ 2018 return to the helm of the Eagles football program, he established the DeSoto Football Program as a national powerhouse building upon the Eagles 2016 state championship and elevated competitive caliber. Upon his return, he led the Eagles to their first state quarterfinal appearance since 2016.
Prior to returning to DeSoto ISD, Mathis was the Director of Athletics and Head Football Coach at Marshall High School. While at Marshall, Mathis supported the overall athletics program and supervised the revitalization of the district’s athletic facilities.
While at Marshall, Mathis led the team to consecutive district championships and was awarded back-to-back coach of the year honors. From 2014 to 2017, Mathis served as the running backs coach at Southern Methodist University under former Mustangs head coach Chad Morris.
From 2008 to 2014, Mathis served as DeSoto High School’s head football coach. During this period, Mathis accumulated a 74-18 record and led the Eagles to consecutive state semifinal appearances and a position as a top nationally-ranked and powerhouse program as noted by Sports Illustrated, Rivals and MaxPreps. While at DeSoto, Mathis won district in 2012 and 2013 and finished the regular season competition as co-champions in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2014.
Mathis’ DeSoto football teams advanced to the state quarterfinals in 2010, 2012, and 2013, and saw state semifinal finishes in 2012 and 2013. During this time, the Eagles averaged 551 yards per game, a best in the nation for total offense, breaking the Texas University Interscholastic League’s then-Class 5A state record.
In addition to his duties as a head football coach and assistant athletic director, Mathis also coached Boys Track. In 2012, Mathis coached the DeSoto Eagles boys’ track team to state championships in the 4x100 and 4x200 events and won the overall 2012 state track championship.
Mathis was named Coach of the Year in 2008, 2010 and 2012.
“Mathis’ dedication is not only to students’ athletic growth but to their academic success as well,” DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. D’Andre Weaver said. “With his knowledge of our programs, Mathis is uniquely positioned to serve our students and community well in this capacity and we look forward to his leadership of our sports programs.”