bob debesse pictured

At the April 14 Special Board of Trustees Meeting, Superintendent Dr. Brad Schnautz will recommend Bob DeBesse for the position of Boys’ Athletic Coordinator and Head Football Coach at Grapevine High School.

DeBesse is currently the Offensive Coordinator and Tight Ends Coach at GHS and oversees Mustang Academy. Prior to joining GCISD, DeBesse has an extensive background spanning nearly 40 years at the collegiate level as an offensive coordinator, wide receiver coach, and head coach.

He’s developed student athletes across the country at Georgia Southern University, the University of New Mexico, Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University, Purdue University, Texas State University, the University of Minnesota and Texas Christian University, with appearances in multiple bowl games throughout his coaching career and the 2011 FCS National Championship.

“We are thrilled to have Coach DeBesse lead the Mustang football program, be the campus boys coordinator, and continue to build upon their success and traditions,” said GCISD Executive Director of Athletics Todd Raymond. “The experience he brings to GHS will be invaluable to our student athletes, coaches, and community.”

DeBesse has won numerous awards, including the 1990 Southwest Conference Offensive Coordinator of the Year and an induction to the Texas State University Hall of Honor in 1998, and both his rush and pass offense have ranked amongst the top in the country. He is a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association and American Football Coaches Association.

“As I look back on my career, I have taken tremendous pride in being part of the coaching profession,” DeBesse said. “Two of the greatest honors I have had in my career have been being named the head coach at Texas State – my alma mater – and now at this stage of my career to be named as head coach at Grapevine High School. I couldn’t be more proud to have the opportunity to serve in this role, particularly at a place that my wife Janet and I have come to love. It’s impossible for me to put into words what it means to realize the dream of becoming a Texas high school head football coach. I can’t wait to start working with the kids in my new capacity.”

DeBesse holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Texas State University. He will begin his new role immediately.