As Southlake Carroll Independent School District continues its search for a new head football coach, former player and current Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers has publicly expressed his support for associate head coach and defensive coordinator Lee Munn. Ewers, who played a significant role in leading Carroll to a state runner-up finish during the 2020 season, shared his thoughts on social media, tagging the school district’s president Cam Bryan and Superintendent Jeremy Glenn in his post.
The coaching position at Southlake Carroll is highly coveted, given the school’s illustrious football history, including eight state championships. The district is reportedly still interviewing candidates from North Texas and beyond. Munn has been praised for his performance as the program’s defensive coordinator since 2018, contributing significantly to a team that ranked second in scoring defense among Dallas-area 6A schools, allowing just 12.5 points per game this past season.
Ewers is not alone in his endorsement of Munn. Former Carroll linebacker Eric Garza, now with the University of Texas, tweeted, “Only one right answer! Lee Munn.” Similarly, former offensive lineman Drew Cunningham, who recently announced his transfer from Charlotte to North Texas, joined the chorus of support with the hashtag “#HireMunn.”
Coaching Candidates and the Search Process
The coaching search is not solely focused on Munn. Other candidates are being considered, including Jeff Rayburn, head coach at Frisco Lone Star, and Jeff Joseph from Port Neches-Groves. Both coaches have connections to Southlake Carroll, enhancing their prospects for the position. Rayburn led Lone Star to the 5A Division I state runner-up finish this season, while Joseph’s Port Neches-Groves team captured the 5A Division II state championship in 2023. Joseph has previously served on the Carroll staff as a special teams coordinator and defensive assistant.
The district is taking a thorough approach to the hiring process. In a statement on social media, Carroll ISD confirmed that interviews are actively underway and that they hope to announce a new head coach by February 2025. Two school board meetings are scheduled for next month, on February 6 and February 23, to discuss the progress of the search.
Despite speculation surrounding a potential return of former head coach Todd Dodge, who led Carroll from 2000 to 2006 and won four state titles, the district is remaining focused on finding the best fit for the program. Bryan emphasized the importance of the decision during a special board workshop meeting on January 12, stating, “We will not rush this decision or settle for anything less than the right fit for our district.”
Community Support and Expectations
The support from the community and former players like Ewers highlights the passion surrounding the Southlake Carroll football program. The district is known for its competitive spirit and rich tradition, making the coaching position one of the most prestigious in Texas high school football.
Carroll ISD’s commitment to a thorough search reflects not only the importance of the role but also the high expectations from the community. The board president noted, “We’ve received a diverse and highly qualified pool of applicants from across the country. This reflects the strength of our district and the reputation of our football program.”
As the search continues, all eyes remain on Southlake Carroll, where the next head coach will play a crucial role in maintaining the school’s storied football legacy.
