In a surprising move Thursday morning, Beeville Jones athletic director and head football coach Chris Soza announced his retirement from coaching after an impressive 39-year coaching run, including 28 years as a head coach. 

Soza retires with a solid 198-126 overall record with two separate stints at Beeville Jones. His greatest success came as the head coach at Mathis where he led the Pirates to a state championship game appearance in 1999 and a state semifinal appearance in 2000.  He led the Trojans to a regional final appearance in 2007. 

He posted five double digit win seasons, two at Mathis (1999 and 2000), two at Beeville (2007 and 2019) and one at Alice in 2013. 

In his final season at Beeville Jones, Soza’s team upset Corpus Christi Calallen in the bi-district playoffs finishing with an 8-4 record. Earlier this week, Soza’s son Chris Soza, who had served as the offensive coordinator at Beeville Jones ,was named the athletic director/head football coach at Rockport-Fulton. 

“Coach Soza has inspired countless individuals through athletic programs," Beeville ISD superintendent Travis Fanning said in a statement. "Beyond his achievements on the field, Coach Soza’s influence extends far beyond the realm of sports. He and his family have been integral parts of the Beeville ISD community contributing in numerous ways. Their dedication and tireless efforts will be remembered for years to come.” 

There’s no early word from Beeville ISD on what direction they will move with the late timing of the retirement. Typically late openings result in internal hires, but at least one qualified candidate for the position has moved on with Eric Soza going to Rockport-Fulton this week.