Legendary Texas High School Football Coach to Return in 2026

Duncanville's Reginald Samples will continue his storied career for another season.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Reginald Samples, the legendary Texas high school football coach who has led Duncanville to two state championships, has decided to return for the 2026 season. The 71-year-old coach had hinted at retirement, but will now aim to guide the Panthers to another title.

Why it matters

Samples is one of the most successful high school football coaches in Texas history, with over 360 wins and multiple state championships. His decision to return for another season will be celebrated by the Duncanville community and Texas high school football fans who have followed his storied career.

The details

Samples has been the head coach at Duncanville for over a decade, leading the team to state titles in 2022 and 2023. Though the Panthers fell short of another championship in 2025, losing to North Shore, Samples has decided to return for the 2026 season, delaying his retirement.

  • Samples has been the head coach at Duncanville for 36 years.
  • Duncanville won state championships in 2022 and 2023 under Samples' leadership.
  • Duncanville lost to North Shore in the 2025 state championship game.

The players

Reginald Samples

The legendary 71-year-old Texas high school football coach who has led Duncanville to two state championships and will return for the 2026 season.

Duncanville High School

The Texas high school football program that Reginald Samples has coached for over a decade, leading them to two state titles.

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What’s next

Duncanville will look to win its third state championship under Samples' leadership in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Reginald Samples' decision to return for another season at Duncanville cements his legacy as one of the all-time great Texas high school football coaches. His continued commitment to the program and pursuit of another state title will be closely watched by the entire Texas high school football community.