In a statement sent to the district late Sunday evening, Carroll ISD announced it had reached a resolution with Head Football Coach Hal Wasson and accepted his resignation.
The resolution came in the form of a $165,000 buyout which represents the remaining balance on his current two-year contract.
Wasson ascended to head coach of the Dragons in 2007, a year after the team completed an undefeated season as state and mythical national champions. Expectations were high as most preseason polls at the time had the Dragons ranked as the No. 1 team in the nation.
Over the course of eleven seasons Wasson delivered, posting a record of 121-26 (.823 winning percentage) including Carroll's eighth state championship in 2011.
In a statement delivered through his legal counsel Hal Wasson delivered this final message:
I would like to thank my family for all their love and support these past eleven years, but particularly these past five weeks. I have had an incredible journey being the Head Football Coach at Carroll. I have the greatest respect and will always be indebted to all my players and my coaches. Thank you for being so loyal to me and the Dragon football program. The outpouring of support from the community and football parents over these past few weeks has been overwhelming.
I deeply regret not being allowed to meet face to face with my players and coaches and say my goodbyes. I love each and every one of you. I could not have survived this ordeal without the amazing support I have received from all the high school and college coaches across this state and our great organization, the Texas High School Coaches Association. I would like to thank my legal counsel for standing in my corner.
I remain incredibly proud of our Dragon football program. We did things the right way—with dignity, honor and respect. I implore all of my players to remember what we taught you. I pray that you all enjoy tremendous success on the field next season, but more importantly that you achieve success in the classroom and in life.. I will continue to stand strong in my faith and know that God is always in control. It is with great anticipation that I look forward to the next chapter in my life, I have learned a lot!
Hal Wasson
According to the CISD statement, the search for the next Carroll Dragon Head Football Coach starts today when the job will be officially posted to the public.