Richard Bacon, who coached Richland for 22 years, hired to lead DeSoto boys basketball
The DeSoto Independent School District announced Monday night the hiring of Richland’s Richard Bacon as the next head boys basketball coach at DeSoto High School.
Bacon replaces longtime DeSoto coach Chris Dyer, who retired in April.
“We had a great candidate pool and to have coach Bacon emerge as our next head coach is a testament to his proven track record of success,” DeSoto high school principal Shon Joseph said in a press release. “DeSoto basketball has a rich tradition of success and we have selected a coach that we are extremely excited about.”
Bacon was the head coach at Richland since 1997. He won his 600th career game in January 2018.
The Rebels went 14-13 and 4-8 in district this season.
Bacon brings more than 40 years of coaching experience, spanning from high school to collegiate-level sports. Bacon began his coaching career in 1981 as an assistant basketball coach at Dallas Pinkston.
“We are extremely excited about the next era of DeSoto boys basketball. After reviewing more than 70 resumes, I am certain that the hiring of coach Bacon will bring enthusiasm to our program,” Joseph said.
Bacon also coached at Seagoville and Dallas Lincoln. At Lincoln, he coached the team to the program’s first state championship. In 1994, Bacon was an assistant coach at TCU.
“Hiring coach Bacon was a solid decision for our students as he brings an extensive amount of knowledge and connection to the collegiate and professional world which affords our students the opportunity to dream and to be groomed for a successful transition to the next level,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. D’Andre Weaver.
Dyer stepped down from the program in April after 21 years at DeSoto.
The Eagles won three state titles under Dyer - 2003 (DeSoto’s first state basketball championship), 2009 and 2016. Overall, Dyer coached 37 years and posted a career 767-192 record.
Dyer made the state tournament nine times and won five titles, four as a head coach.
DeSoto went 19-11 and 9-5 in district this season.
