Program under review: Reactions run the gamut to news of Southlake Carroll football coach on paid leave
It’s rare when a Dallas-Fort Worth high school football coach makes every nightly news program in January.
Southlake Carroll’s Hal Wasson may be the first.
Carroll ISD on Wednesday placed the Dragons’ head football coach on administrative paid leave pending a review of the program.
According to the district, the review will focus on three things: the culture of the football program as it compares to the district expectations and the upholding of the district’s core values, procedures as they relate to UIL rules, and ensuring employees’ understanding and compliance with district policies, practices and guidelines.
Wasson has led the Dragons for 11 seasons, compiling a 121-25 record (.828 winning percentage). Carroll won a UIL Class 5A Division I state title in 2011.
He went 10-4 with an appearance in the 6A Division II state quarterfinals in 2017.
Initial reactions varied. Some were shocked, but there was also speculation on why it’s happening.
Big surprise didn't see it coming. Well established coach and tradition rich program at Carroll. And with a great season in 2017 they are set up to make run to state in 2018 with the talent they have returning.
— On Da Marc Sports (@Marchen44) January 25, 2018
Not a good look for a very good coach. Looks like the wrong feathers got ruffled
— smalltowntour (@smalltowntour) January 25, 2018
That’s not true. There are slots of great families in Southlake and kids. Doesn’t mean everyone is spoiled or rich. If you don’t live there or you don’t have kids in the program then you don’t know. He’s had the best of everything to work with and top athletes. Made his job easy.
— Kellie Rider (@kellieriderr) January 25, 2018
Unbelievable, well not really. The way boards and administrators handle things now are very shady. Everyone has an agenda toward the ball coach.
— Harkball (@harkball) January 24, 2018
Few comments about Wasson on our Facebook page pic.twitter.com/AsprEuIUZ0
— Brian Gosset (@Gosset41) January 25, 2018
Did Wasson not win enough? Carroll won one state title in his tenure. He took over for Todd Dodge, who went 98-11 in seven seasons with four UIL titles, including three straight from 2004-06.
In addition to the 2011 title, Wasson’s teams reached the state quarterfinals four other times.
Southlake has high expectations. Wasson isn’t meeting those expectations. It’s about accountability.
— Anthony Davison (@wranglertx) January 24, 2018
Review = No state titles since 2011
— Quanah Thompson (@MrThompsonGQ) January 24, 2018
We must stress that Wasson’s job has not been terminated. But if this position does become open there will surely be plenty of suitors.
Dodge, at the least, should get a call.
After all, he did lead the Dragons to five consecutive title games, winning four (2002, 2004, 2005, 2006). Carroll, which moved up to the largest UIL classification in 2002, went 79-1 in Dodge’s final five seasons.
Dodge, who spent time at the college level with North Texas and Pittsburgh, has been the head coach at Austin Westlake for the past four seasons with a record of 46-10. Westlake reached to the state semifinals, quarterfinals and title game the past three years.
Not even a possibility. He’s ecstatically happy at Austin Westlake! No one would leave there to come back where they’ve already been.
— Rick White (@RickWhite_Hurst) January 25, 2018
Will Carroll go after Todd Peterman? He resigned from DeSoto a week ago.
Peterman had a battle himself with the school district. After leading DeSoto to a 16-0 record and its first UIL state football title in 2016, reports were he’d be fired a year ago.
His contract was renewed and the Eagles finished 10-2 in 2017, where Carroll eliminated them in the second round.
You don’t stay at a school for 11 years if you don’t love it. It’s sad that a handful of people had to ruin that.
— Desoto Football (@DesotoFB) January 25, 2018
No one wants to work at a place they don't feel wanted or valued...but there's also the reality of life....We've all been in tough work situations and to balance that with an obligation to our family....I know Coach Peterman loves Desoto but love is a two way street
— Matt Stepp (@Matt_Stepp817) January 25, 2018
This story was originally published January 25, 2018 at 12:18 PM with the headline "Program under review: Reactions run the gamut to news of Southlake Carroll football coach on paid leave."