North Crowley football head coach takes college job at North Texas
North Crowley head coach Ray Gates announced to the team Wednesday that he is taking a job on the University of North Texas’ football staff as a special assistant, multiple sources confirmed to the Star-Telegram.
Gates led North Crowley to a Class 6A Division I state championship in 2024, earning MaxPreps National Coach of the Year honors. He was hired at North Crowley in 2022 and accumulated an 54-4 record as the Panthers’ head coach.
Gates delivered the city of Fort Worth’s first championship in the UIL’s largest classification in 75 years.
North Crowley quickly turned into a national powerhouse under Gates, who earned consecutive Star-Telegram Coach of the Year honors in 2023 and 2024.
The Panthers won four consecutive district championships under Gates and lost one regular-season game under his leadership.
Gates, originally from Shiner, Texas, served as Cedar Hill’s defensive coordinator before becoming North Crowley’s head coach. Before that, he had stints at West Texas A&M, Amarillo Tascosa, Dumas and Round Rock Cedar Ridge.
North Texas (11-2) is No. 25 in the College Football Playoff rankings and No. 23 in the Associated Press poll. The Mean Green are set to face San Diego State in the New Mexico Bowl on Dec. 27 in Albuquerque.
Gates will join former North Crowley quarterback Chris Jimerson Jr., who was a key component in the Panthers’ state title run. Jimerson redshirted this season at North Texas.
Gates’ departure opens what is arguably one of the best head coaching positions in the Fort Worth area.
Crowley ISD sent the Star-Telegram a statement regarding Gates’ departure:
“Crowley ISD congratulates Coach Ray Gates on his opportunity to join the University of North Texas coaching staff. We’re grateful for the championship culture he helped build at North Crowley and wish him the very best in this next chapter.
“Now, we’re looking for the next great leader to guide this powerhouse program forward. With top‑tier athletes, elite facilities and a tradition of excellence, this is a premier coaching opportunity in Texas high school football.
“Together, we will keep building a championship dynasty — the Crowley Way: Excellence Every Day.”
This story was originally published December 17, 2025 at 12:44 PM.
.jpg)