Carroll boys basketball coach David Markley let go, calls it ‘out of nowhere’
.png "David Markley is no longer the head coach of Southlake Carroll basketball.")
After its first bi-district championship in 20 seasons, Southlake Carroll will have a change within its boys’ basketball program.
David Markley is no longer the head coach of Dragon basketball, Markley confirmed to the Star-Telegram. Markley, a former TCU basketball walk-on, led Carroll to 23 wins and was named the District 4-6A Coach of the Year.
Markley said he was let go because of his “sideline demeanor and use of profanity.”
“In my four years at Carroll High School, not once was I contacted by an athletic director or administrator or parent about either issue,” Markley said. “On my evaluations from my superiors, none of that was ever mentioned.”
Riley Dodge, head football coach and Carroll ISD executive director of athletics, directed the Star-Telegram to Carroll ISD’s upper administration for clarification on Markley’s situation.
“I love Coach Markley,” Dodge said. “He’s a great man and coach!”
Carroll ISD Communications told the Star-Telegram that Markley resigned but couldn’t provide further comment due to HR regulations.
“I feel like in my situation, I never had a chance to defend myself,” Markley said. “I don’t believe there was proper due process. I believe my evaluations and the results speak for themselves.”
Markley said he strived to always do the right thing for the program and the kids. He added that the results speak for themselves.
“This was kind of dropped on me out of nowhere,” Markley said. “There was no notification and no warning from any of my administrators or athletic director.”
Markley said he believes “something else“ is going on due to the nature of his dismissal. Markley said he was informed of the potential decision on Thursday and said at the time, his administrators and athletic administration were unaware.
“And in less than 24 hours, I’m no longer the head basketball coach at Southlake Carroll,” Markley said.
Markley wrote a statement on X, thanking his supporters.
“Thank you so much to the current players, past players, coaching colleagues, parents and members of the Southlake Community that have reached out over the past few days,” Markley wrote. “All of your texts, phone calls and emails are truly appreciated. I am absolutely blown away by all of the love you guys have shown me in a difficult time, and I’m so grateful for your support... Tough times never last, tough people do!”
Markley was hired at Southlake Carroll in 2021. Before that, he spent nearly a decade as Chisholm Trail High School’s head coach.
Under Markley, Dragon basketball saw two players earn top All-District honors. Amechi Anwah was named the District 4-6A Defensive Player of the Year, and Ari Tumma was named the most valuable player.
This story was originally published May 5, 2025 at 12:12 PM.
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