Speer named Burnet CISD football head coach

CAPTION: Ben Speer is the new Burnet Consolidated Independent School District football head coach after the school district’s board of trustees approved his hire Jan. 22. File photo

Ben Speer is the Burnet Consolidated Independent School’s football head coach after the board of trustees approved his hire during its meeting Jan. 22.

Speer, who served as the Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator for three years on former head coach Bryan Wood’s staff, said he was happy and excited about the promotion.

“Pretty painless except waiting for January to get here,” Speer said. “Finally they let it be known they wanted to do this.”

Wood resigned the position in mid December in keeping his word to Speer that he would leave after three years and do everything he could for his coordinator to be named the new head coach.

Speer said he and his wife, Jennifer, met with Burnet CISD Superintendent Keith McBurnett before the board meeting.

“I know they wanted it done in January and wanted to move in this direction,” the coach said. “I had a little bit of an interview with Mr. McBurnett. He laid out what they wanted to do. He said, ‘You’ve been interviewing for this the last two-and-a-half years. We know who you are and what you stand for.’ (The board meeting) was a great experience being there with my family. It was one of those moments you dream about. We’re glad the ink is dry, and we can move on.”

Speer joined Wood’s staff with the intention of being the Bulldogs’ head coach, following him after the two spent three years at Shallowater High School.

“This was the place,” Speer said. “I’m not learning much about the community and the program. We jumped in with both feet. We did everything we could. We love this community. It’s grown on us. From the get-go, they’ve embraced us. We’ve had instant connection. We’re excited about staying in the community.”

When the Bulldogs were told that Speer is the new head coach, they erupted into cheers. The 2023 team finished 8-4 overall and 4-1 in District 13-4A Division I play to be co-district champions and captured a bi-district title.

“They’re excited with me getting the job,” he said. “Last year was so satisfying for us. We knew what we were doing, and we knew it could work. We’re traveling upward. We’re hoping to continue that success. We’re not really going to change anything. We have to go out and earn everything.”

Speer also said not changing anything includes the coaching staff.

“We want to keep the staff together as much as possible,” he said. “We love our coaches. We hope they stay. I understand they have goals, too.”

As he reflected back, Speer noted that he and his family created a list of five specific items they prayed over daily. And he recognizes that taking over means saying good-bye to Wood, who is more family than a boss.

“God answered each one,” Speer said. “It’s affirmation. You feel like you have a chance when you live God’s Will. It’s our opportunity to get a chance. Jen is on board with me. It’s a blessing to us that God allowed it to happen. It does happen if you work hard enough and do it right. It’s bittersweet.”

The school district is still searching for a new athletic director. Athletic director Kurt Jones announced his retirement, effective at the end of the school year, also in mid December.

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