UIL Suspends Texas High School Football Coach for 2026 Season

The University Interscholastic League suspended a Texas High School Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Neil Searcy for the 2026 football season after determining he violated offseason practice rules. The penalties also include three years of probation, additional UIL training and sanctions against the football program.

The UIL State Executive Committee met to discuss potential rule violations and issued the punishments for Gainesville High School football coach Neil Searcy. Searcy was issued a one-season suspension from football, a three-year probation period, and will undergo additional training according to the schools Superintendent, DesMontes Stewart.

READ MORE: Longview Man’s Fantasy Football Punishment Goes Viral

Penalties for Gainesville Football

The GHS football team was also issued a four-practice suspension and will not play one of its scrimmages ahead of the 2026 season.

Get our free mobile app

What Rules Were Violated?

The suspension came down after the district self-reported offseason practice violations to the UIL. The investigation confirmed that athletes participated in six offseason morning football practices while wearing helmets and shoulder pads, which violated offseason practice regulations. UIL limits offseason football workouts to help protect student-athletes and ensure competitive fairness statewide.

The practices took place from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. on May 6, 8, 11, 12, 13 and 14. The district launched an internal investigation after receiving information about the alleged practices, which included interviewing staff and reviewing information obtained through the Gainesville ISD Police Department. The investigation confirmed that the practices took place, violating the rules.

The district said it will be meeting with all head coaches to reinforce expectations for UIL compliance, professionalism and student-athlete development.