New Celina ISD Athletic Director Vows to Rebuild Trust After Scandal

Brent Whitson takes over the powerhouse football program amid a sex abuse scandal involving a former coach.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Celina Independent School District has hired Brent Whitson as its new athletic director to lead the district's sports programs, including the powerhouse football team, after a sex scandal involving a former middle school coach rocked the community. Whitson says his top priorities are regaining public trust and ensuring the safety and well-being of student-athletes.

Why it matters

The Celina football program is a source of immense community pride, but the recent sex abuse scandal has shaken that foundation. Whitson's leadership will be crucial in restoring confidence in the district's athletics and protecting students from future harm.

The details

Former Celina middle school coach Caleb Elliott has been charged and indicted on sex crimes involving more than 30 young boys. Lawsuits and allegations still loom over the program. Whitson says his focus is on transparency, listening to affected parents and students, and implementing stronger oversight to ensure coaches can mentor students without crossing boundaries.

  • In January 2026, Celina ISD's longtime athletic director and head football coach Bill Elliott, who is the father of the accused coach, retired.
  • Celina ISD is moving up from 4A to 5A classification for high school sports this fall.

The players

Brent Whitson

Celina ISD's new athletic director, who has over 30 years of experience in athletics across North Texas and Oklahoma, most recently leading the Denison High School program.

Caleb Elliott

A former Celina middle school coach who has been charged and indicted on sex crimes involving more than 30 young boys.

Bill Elliott

Celina ISD's longtime athletic director and head football coach, who is the father of the accused coach Caleb Elliott and retired in January 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Job one for me is taking care of kids. Job two for me right now is this place and the unique challenge is regaining public trust.”

— Brent Whitson, Celina ISD Athletic Director (cbsnews.com)

“I want to get in front of as many parents as I possibly can, in on all facets of this thing. I got half of them throwing arrows at me and half of them blowing kisses. I just have to trust that I'm going to win over all of them.”

— Brent Whitson, Celina ISD Athletic Director (cbsnews.com)

“Don't be afraid to spend some time with the kids. Do it two on one. Give the coaches the security of knowing that we're not going to put them in a situation that compromises them.”

— Brent Whitson, Celina ISD Athletic Director (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Whitson plans to sit down with former athletic director and head coach Bill Elliott to understand the foundation on which the Celina football program was built, as the district searches for a new head coach to lead the team in its move up to the 5A classification.

The takeaway

Brent Whitson faces the daunting task of rebuilding trust and restoring the reputation of Celina ISD's powerhouse football program after a devastating sex abuse scandal. His commitment to transparency, student safety, and learning from the program's past will be crucial in guiding the district through this challenging transition.