In a move that had been rumored since the end of the 2023 football season, Refugio head coach Jason Herring is stepping down from leading one of the state’s premier programs due to what the district had called “ongoing health concerns.”

Long-time assistant coach Drew Cox will take over as head coach, while Herring will remain in the role of Refugio ISD Athletic Director. 

Herring has spent the last 17 seasons leading Refugio and his run is unmatched by anyone in South Texas. He led Refugio to three state championships in 2011, 2016 and 2019. He also led the Bobcats to the state title game in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2022.

All in all, Herring posted an incredible 224-24 overall record in 17 seasons at Refugio, which never won fewer than 11 games in a single season during Herring’s run. 

Herring spent the early part of his career coaching in the San Angelo area where he was head coach at Wall in 1996-1997, posting 3-7 records in each of his two seasons. In 2000, Herring took over at Sonora and led the Broncos to a 15-0 record and a state championship in his first season. He took over at Refugio in 2007. 

Cox has been Herring’s right hand-man since 1998 and has been the Bobcat’s assistant head coach and offensive line coach his entire time at Refugio.