Ross Dillard's journey to becoming a head football coach has been defined by patience and purpose. For years, the highly-regarded defensive coordinator built a resume worthy of leading his own program, but he waited for the right moment—for both his career and his family. That moment has officially arrived.
Dillard was confirmed as the new head football coach and athletic coordinator for Memorial High School during a Wichita Falls ISD board meeting, marking a significant promotion for the longtime assistant. Having spent the past 11 years as a defensive coordinator at Rider and then Memorial, Dillard is now stepping into the top role, ready to build on a foundation of success.
He takes over a Mavericks program that has immediately found its footing, posting a combined 16-7 record and securing playoff berths in each of its first two seasons. Dillard inherits the reins from Marc Bindel, who departed in March to become the head coach at Celina. The two have a long history; Dillard was Bindel's first official hire back in 2014 and was promoted to defensive coordinator the following year, forming a partnership that lasted over a decade.
"I'm excited for the opportunity," Dillard said. "I think this is the right thing for the kids, continuing the culture that we've put in place in this program."
His path to this promotion wasn't for lack of interest from other schools. His success at a high-profile Class 5A program like Rider naturally made him a candidate for head coaching positions elsewhere. However, Dillard emphasized that the timing and situation never felt right until now. "I was in such a good situation here," he explained. "I was part of a great staff, and my family loved being in Wichita Falls. When the dynamic is really good with the people you're working with, you don't want to ever give that up."
For Dillard, this isn't just a new job—it's the culmination of years of preparation and a commitment to the community he already calls home. As he transitions from coordinator to leader, the focus remains on sustaining the winning culture and momentum the Mavericks have already established.