Brent Whitson – New Celina AD

By Chris Doelle
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Updated: February 27, 2026

Coach Brent Whitson | New Celina Athletic Director

"I am as rejuvenated as I feel like I'm 45. And Chris, by the way, I'm a long ways past 45 — this opportunity has really put a bounce in my step." — Coach Brent Whitson

Guest: Coach Brent Whitson | Host: Chris Doelle

Background

Whitson's path to coaching was unconventional — raised by educators who pushed him toward accounting, he worked 7 years as a CPA before the coaching bug won out. He built his résumé at Weatherford, won a state title at Shawnee (OK), then spent a decade at South Grand Prairie before landing at Denison for 5 years.

Why Celina?

After seeking an AD-only role at Denison (administration said no), Whitson went looking. Despite the program's recent turbulence, Celina was the obvious fit. He's currently driving Hwy 289 daily — working both jobs simultaneously — and meeting one-on-one with every Celina coach until his official March 23rd start date.

Head Football Coach Search

Whitson is actively recruiting candidates and calls the pool "one of the best in North Texas in 20+ years." Internal candidates are his first priority. Interviews expected within weeks.

Celina at a Glance

Exploded from 5,800 residents (2020) to ~61,000 today
Multi-sport powerhouse — state titles in soccer, track, cross country, powerlifting and more
Moving to 5A football in the fall
$2.3B bond funds 11 new schools; a second high school projected by 2029–30
Community debating whether all future schools remain "Bobcats" in orange & white

Internships: LoneStarGridiron.com | Coaches Show: LoneStarPodcast.com/coaches