Lumberton head coach James Reyes has been named the next athletic director/head football coach at Palestine High School, Palestine ISD announced on Thursday.

Reyes replaces Lance Angel, who announced his retirement in early January.

“The Palestine ISD administration has a great vision for athletics and that was evident as I’ve gone through this process," Reyes said. "They’ve done a great job with facilities across the district. The facilities are unbelievable, first class in every way. The school building is beautiful and our athletics facilities are as good as any in Class 4A. I feel like there’s potential here to win and win big."

Reyes led Lumberton the past three seasons posting an impressive 25-11 overall record, including an 11-2 mark in 2022. He led the Raiders to the postseason in each of his three seasons at the helm.

Prior to taking over at Lumberton, Reyes spent time as an assistant coach at Center, Nacogdoches, McKinney and McKinney North.

Reyes’s departure from Lumberton leaves a good job opening in the Golden Triangle at the 4A-Division I level.

“I’m really appreciative of Lumberton giving me the opportunity to lead this athletic progam," he said. "Lumberton is going to always be a special place for me and my family. There’s great kids here and the relationships that have been built are something that my family will always hold special."