He'll get the chance to scratch that itch as the new Rudder head football coach and campus coordinator. The Bryan ISD school board unanimously approved Ezar for the position at its Monday workshop.
Ezar, who was selected from a pool of 107 applicants, replaces Greg Morgan, who announced his retirement in February. The Rangers were 6-14 under Morgan and never made the playoffs but finished fifth in both of his seasons. Rudder still is searching for the first playoff berth in program history.
Bryan ISD athletic director Lance Angel said there was no definite start time for Ezar, though he is expected to meet Rudder athletes Tuesday. Ezar should begin his duties at Rudder once his exit arrangements at Willis are in order. After Ezar begins his tenure at Rudder, Morgan will work in some capacity with the Bryan school district until June 30.
"I loved being an athletic director, but I miss the relationships with kids; it's probably what I miss most about being in coaching," said Ezar, who last coached football in 2012. "I've seen some of [Rudder's] athletes, and when the job came open, it piqued my interest. And with them being in [Class 5A] Division II, it gives Rudder a chance [to thrive]."
Ezar last coached at his alma mater, Dallas White, from 2009-12 after stints as an assistant at Fort Worth Brewer, Hurst Bell and North Crowley. He compiled a 14-26 record in four seasons with the Longhorns, but Angel is impressed by Ezar’s ability to build a program from the ground level.
"Eric stood out with his experience as an AD and the success they've had at Willis," Angel said. "He stood out in the places he's coached football, how to relate to kids and build a successful program.
"I think Eric will build off what Greg Morgan was able to establish, and we look forward to great success through Eric."
Under Ezar, participation in White’s freshman and sophomore football program tripled, and the rest of the Longhorns’ athletics programs also saw growth, according to Angel. White added a freshman ‘B’ football team, freshman girls basketball team, a JV softball team and a freshman track program during his four-year tenure.
Several Willis teams flourished under Ezar, who began his tenure with the Wildkats in 2013.
In softball, Willis reached the Class 5A championship game in 2017 and advanced to the regional quarterfinals last season before falling to College Station. The volleyball team reached the regional semifinals in 2017 and has a 25-5 district record over the past two seasons with one district title. The Willis boys cross country team won the 2016 regional championship, snapping a six-year drought in appearing at the state meet.
The Wildkats also sent several athletes to state meets in track, powerlifting and wrestling.
Ezar also was instrumental in upgrading Willis’ facilities, overseeing several projects, including new covered batting cages, locker rooms and a scoreboard and turf playing surface for the football stadium.
Rudder's new head man likes the direction the program was headed before he got on board.
"[Morgan's] done a great job," Ezar said. "That’s one thing that was intriguing; they weren’t bottom of the barrel. It’s kind of at a point where they're ready to take it to the next level ... kind of how Willis was. It's about going from good to great."
Ezar and his wife, Julie, have been married fo... Click here to read full article
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