Barbers Hill will have a new leader in 2025 after the surprising departure of head coach Carl Abseck on Tuesday.

The departure of Abseck was described by multiple sources as a “mutual parting of ways,” and had been a hot topic of discussion at this past week’s Bayou Bowl All-Star Game in which Abseck coached.

He posted a 31-17 record in four seasons leading the Eagles, getting them to the area round each season. Barbers Hill was 8-4 in 2024.

Abseck will without a doubt be a name linked to many of the state’s top job openings as he holds a 102-27 overall record in 10 seasons as a head coach. He led Cedar Park to a 5A-Division II state title in his first season as a head coach in 2015. He also led Cedar Park to the 5A-Division I state championship game during the 2020 season.

Barbers Hill, on the other hand, is known as one of the more attractive jobs in the Houston area. It's a one-school ISD that pays well, has good facilities and is in a high-growth area. However, Abseck’s departure has been curious to say the least and has drawn some red flags and concerns from possible head coaching candidates based on my initial discussions with potential candidates about the job.

It’ll be interesting to see where BHISD goes in its search and if it tries to go after another big name like its done the past two times this job has opened. Prior to Abseck being hired, Barbers Hill lured Tom Westerberg away from Allen to take over back in 2016.