Following an extensive search and interview process, Smithville ISD is proud to announce the selection of Coach Darby House as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. At the January 20, 2026 meeting, the Smithville ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to approve the hire, and Coach House will begin his tenure with Smithville ISD on Monday, January 26.
“We are thrilled to have Coach House and his family join the Smithville ISD community,” said Superintendent Dr. Molley Ealy. “Having spent the past nine years as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, Coach House brings a wealth of experience and impressive track record of leadership and success across all athletic programs. His commitment to both academic and athletic excellence are well aligned with Smithville ISD’s values, and he is an ideal candidate to lead the development of our athletic program.”
Most recently, Coach House served as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Nacogdoches ISD for the past three seasons, where he rebuilt the program and led the football team to the playoffs for the first time in five seasons. In his second year at Nacogdoches, he was named one of Dave Campbell’s "Top 10 Underrated Coaches in Texas."
Coach House’s career began at Jones High School in Beeville ISD, where he served as an assistant coach for three years before transitioning to Somerville ISD. While there, he was promoted to Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Somerville High School. There, he led the Yegua football team to the playoffs for the third time in school history and the first time in a decade.
Coach House then followed his Superintendent from Somerville to Poteet ISD, where the Poteet Aggies reached the playoffs for four consecutive seasons, earned their first playoff win in 63 years, and won the District title in the 2021 season. During his tenure in Poteet, Coach House also earned recognition as one of Dave Campbell's "Top 40 Coaches Under 40."
Beyond the field, Coach House's commitment to student athletes is demonstrated through his founding of the South Texas Coaches Association (STCA), an organization dedicated to supporting local athletes through all-star competition opportunities.
"I'm truly honored and excited to join the Smithville ISD family as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. Smithville has a proud tradition of excellence in academics and athletics, and I look forward to building on that foundation, developing strong student-athletes, fostering a culture of discipline and teamwork, and competing at the highest level," said House. “None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of my incredible wife and family. Together with our staff, players, parents, and the entire Tiger community, we're going to create something special. Let's get to work!”
Coach House's extensive experience in athletic program management, commitment to student success, and proven leadership make him an outstanding addition to Smithville ISD.