Denton Guyer defensive coordinator named next head football coach at Fossil Ridge
Keller ISD named Denton Guyer defensive coordinator Derek Ramsey as the next head football coach and athletic coordinator at Fossil Ridge on Thursday.
Ramsey replaces Tony Baccarini, who retired after 17 years in February.
“I am very excited to be joining the Fossil Ridge family and this incredible football program,” Ramsey said in a press release. “I’m looking forward to getting to know our Panthers athletes and their families, and to continue the tradition of excellence that Fossil Ridge High School has established over the years.”
Ramsey spent the past 15 seasons at Guyer, helping build the Wildcats into a state championship contender. He was DC at Guyer for the past 12 years.
The Wildcats went 14-2 last season and reached the Class 6A Division II state title game, where they lost 24-0 to Austin Westlake following an early injury to quarterback Eli Stowers.
While Ramsey was in Denton, Guyer won two state titles and appeared in four state title games.
Ramsey’s 24-year coaching career also includes stints at Odessa, Abilene Cooper, Marshall and Denton High. He has seen more than 60 of his players go on to earn scholarships at the Division I level.
“Coach Ramsey brings to Fossil Ridge a wealth of experience and a high level of success,” said Keller ISD Athletics Coordinator Eric Persyn. “When you look at what Guyer football has accomplished under his leadership as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach, it’s amazing.”
Under Baccarini, the Panthers won nearly 100 games and went to the playoffs 10 times, including six straight from 2013-18. They won two undefeated district titles in 2007 and 2017.
Fossil Ridge went 10-0 during the 2017 regular season and won the District 3-6A championship. The Panthers went 9-4 in 2013 and reached the regional round of the playoffs.
Ramsey’s hiring comes a month after Guyer head coach John Walsh resigned. Ramsey was by Walsh’s side ever since the program started in 2006. The Wildcats have posted a 131-56 record all-time.
Rockwall’s Rodney Webb replaced Walsh on March 30.
