Brownwood Lions football has two coaching positions filled according to athletics director and head football coach Bob Shipley.  Sam Harrell has been hired as quarterback coach and Bryan Clark, an ex-Lion and current assistant coach, has been promoted to offensive coordinator.

Harrell, who coached Ennis to the state championship three times and was a former assistant coach for the BHS Lions, is a 1975 graduate of Brownwood High School and followed his dad’s footsteps as a Lions assistant coach under the legendary Gordon Wood.  He was also a Lions quarterback in the 1970s, so he’s no stranger to Brownwood and its deep passion for football and  continuing quest for more state championship titles.

Coach Shipley stated that he is honored and excited to have Harrell on board and is looking forward to next season working with Harrell.

“I’m really excited that Sam has decided to come back home,” said Coach Shipley.  “He has one of the brightest minds in the history of high school football.  It will be an honor to work with him and have him coaching our quarterbacks.”

Harrell became the head football coach of Ennis High School in 1994, completing 16 seasons with 153-51 record, and winning Class 4A state titles in 2000, 2001 and 2004.

After being diagnosed in 2005 with Multiple Sclerosis, Harrell has fought the disease with a positive attitude and stem cell transplants and treatments in Panama.

Harrell is slated to speak at the April 23rd Fellowship of Christian Athletes luncheon.  For more information click here.