STEPHENVILLE – Tarleton State has hired a new offensive coordinator entering the 2026 campaign, tabbing longtime Texas football coach Chris Ross to lead the Texan offense, the Texans announced on Saturday.
“Chris Ross is one of the most respected coaches across the entire state of Texas, and he’s proven he can excel at our level like he powered prestigious high school programs for several years,” head coach Todd Whitten said. “We’re used to elite offenses at Tarleton State. I believe that Coach Ross will not only maintain that standard here, but continue to elevate it with his innovation. I want to welcome Coach Ross and his family to Stephenville, and I’m excited to keep building on our foundation here.”
Ross arrives in Stephenville after spending the last two seasons at Stephen F. Austin, both years as Offensive Coordinator, plus Assistant Head Coach duties this past season. With Ross leading the offense from 2024-25, the Lumberjacks ranked No. 7 in the FCS in scoring (35.5 points per game), No. 15 in pass offense (252.3 pass yards per game), and No. 21 in total offense (411.0 yards per game).
“I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of Tarleton State,” Ross said. “The vision here, the people involved, and the chance to compete at a high level make this an opportunity I’m truly grateful for. I’m looking forward to building strong relationships with our players, staff and community as we move forward together. Tarleton State’s commitment to facilities, program funding and success are what made this job so attractive. I’m ready to get to work.”
In 2025, Ross helped the Lumberjacks advance to the FCS Playoffs Quarterfinals and win the Southland Conference championship. The Lumberjacks earned a first round bye as the 7-seed with a 10-2 regular season record, 8-0 in Southland Conference play, finishing 11-3 overall with a 41-34 second round win vs. 10-seed Abilene Christian, and a 44-28 quarterfinals loss at 2-seed Montana State. SFA rallied off 11 straight wins following a 0-2 start (27-0 loss at Houston and 28-20 loss at ACU), with dominant victories over the likes of Northwestern State (62-14), Houston Christian (50-3) and UTRGV (41-17), plus a ranked win against Lamar (26-15). Offensively, the ‘Jacks ranked No. 14 in scoring (35.4 points per game) and No. 35 in total offense (392.4 yards per game). They were top-10 in both first downs (tied-eighth, 302) and red zone offense (ninth at 0.911). SFA scored 30-plus points in 10 of 14 games this past season, five times scoring 40-plus points with a season-high 63 points against Sul Ross State.
In 2024, Ross led the ‘Jacks to a top-10 scoring offense in the country in his debut season, with SFA averaging 35.6 points per game (tied-eighth most in FCS). The Lumberjacks ranked No. 11 nationwide in pass offense (271.5 pass yards per game) and No. 13 in total offense (431.8 yards per game). They were also fourth best in red zone offense (0.935) and had the 20th most first downs (266). SFA improved from a 3-8 2023 mark to 7-5 in 2024, scoring 30-plus points five times, including 77 points against North American in Ross’ SFA debut.
Besides two seasons spent at SFA, Ross has spent two additional years in the collegiate ranks at Boise State (2016-17). There he was the director of program development, where he developed coaches and players, plus led recruiting. The Broncos went 21-6 overall across his tenure, 13-3 in Mountain West Conference play, with Ross on staff, winning the Mountain West championship and the Las Vegas Bowl in 2017.
Ross has nearly 30 years of Texas high school football experience, most recently serving four seasons as the head coach and athletic director at Lovejoy High School in Lucas. Ross’ Leopards were 45-9 overall with him at the helm, with three district championships and two regional final appearances. In his first season at Lovejoy in 2020, the Leopards set a school record with a 13-1 season.
The Quanah, Texas, native has also worked at Red Oak High School (2018-19, head coach and assistant AD), Prosper High School (2015, head coach and AD), Leander ISD (2012-15, AD), Cedar Park High School (2005-12, head coach), Wichita Falls High School (1998-2004, head coach from 2001-04) and Olney High School (assistant coach). Ross holds a 190-82 record as a high school head coach, leading programs to 14 playoff appearances.
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