Sul Ross State University has welcomed Lee Hays as its new head football coach. Hays officially began his role in Alpine on Feb. 15, following the resignation of former head coach Barry Derrickson last fall.
“I’m honored and humbled to accept the head coaching position here at Sul Ross,” Hays said. “This isn’t just about football—it’s about developing young men of character, building a program founded on discipline, hard work, and team-first values.”
With a coaching career that began in 1997 at Texas A&M Kingsville, Hays brings decades of experience at both the collegiate and high school levels. His resume includes roles at West Texas A&M, Baylor, the University of Houston, Tarleton State, and Texas Tech, where he developed multiple All-Conference players and oversaw high-performing offenses.
Most recently, Hays served as the offensive line coach and assistant offensive coordinator at Lubbock-Cooper High School, where he helped lead the Pirates to the most wins and playoff appearances in school history.
Sul Ross Athletic Director Amanda Workman praised the hire, stating, “We are excited to bring Lobo football into a new era with Coach Hays. His experience in DI, DII, the Lone Star Conference, and Texas high school football are invaluable to our student-athletes and coaches.”
Originally from Del Rio, Hays holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Texas A&M Kingsville and a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from West Texas A&M. He and his wife, Roxanne, have two children, Cade and Shanlee.
For more information, contact Sports Information Director Michael Bond at michael.bond@sulross.edu.
Image Credit: Sul Ross State University
