GATESVILLE, Texas — Gatesville has found its next head football coach.
Luke Howard confirmed to KCEN Channel 6 Sports he was promoted from Assistant Head Coach & Special Teams Coordinator to Head Coach, a move made official Thursday morning.
Howard is a 2007 graduate of Gatesville High School and his dad was an assistant on the Hornets' 2000 state championship squad.
"You know, getting to lead the black and gold onto the field is amazing," Howard said. "When you put the 'G' on your chest, as much as it means to me and my family, I'm excited about also just getting back in this community and working with the kids."
Howard spent the 2018 season as the offensive coordinator at Valley Mills before moving to his assistant's position at Gatesville in June.
Before that, he spent the 2015-17 seasons as an assistant at UMHB, where he was a part of the Crusaders' 2016 national championship.
"It's been a flood of emotions and excitement," Howard said. "Definitely honored to be given this responsibility, being a graduate of this place."
Howard replaces Kyle Cooper, who was the head coach and athletic director at Gatesville since 2007, after Cooper resigned to take an assistant job under former Baylor coach Art Briles at Mt. Vernon.
The Hornets open the 2019 season August 31st at Midlothian Heritage.
