Winona Independent School District has named Charles Moss as its novel athletic director and head football coach, the district announced Thursday night. Moss, a veteran coach with experience at the high school and collegiate levels, takes the helm of a program seeking a turnaround after a challenging two seasons. The appointment signals a fresh start for the Wildcats, who are hoping to recapture the success they enjoyed earlier this decade.
Moss arrives in Winona from Tyler Legacy High School, where he served as the defensive run game coordinator and defensive line coach since 2020. His coaching journey has been extensive, spanning multiple states and levels of competition. He’s known as a dedicated coach with a focus on fundamentals and player development, qualities Winona ISD officials highlighted in their announcement.
The decision to hire Moss comes after a search following the departure of Kenneth Cook, who led the Wildcats to a 2-18 record over two seasons. Winona’s recent struggles stand in stark contrast to the program’s past successes. The Wildcats last achieved a winning season in 2019, finishing with a 6-5 record and making the playoffs – a run that extended a five-year playoff streak. Texas Football provides a comprehensive overview of recent playoff results and team histories.
From New Mexico to Texas: A Coaching Career Forged Through Experience
Moss’s path to Winona is a testament to his commitment to the profession. Before Tyler Legacy, he served as the head football coach at Texas College in Tyler, Texas, from 2017 to 2019. During his tenure, he was also selected as Chair of the Sooner Athletic Conference, demonstrating leadership beyond the football field. His collegiate coaching experience began as a graduate assistant at the University of New Mexico, following a standout playing career as a Lobo.
However, Moss’s early head coaching experiences weren’t without challenges. He led Capital High School in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for one season in 2011, finishing with a 1-9 record. He then spent a year coaching at his alma mater, Dallas Lincoln High School, before taking the reins at North Dallas High School from 2013 to 2015. At North Dallas, he compiled a 9-21 overall record, improving to a 5-5 mark in his final season. He later served as the linebackers coach at West Texas A&M University before returning to Tyler to coach at Texas College.
Most recently, Moss gained valuable experience on the national stage, participating in the NFL’s Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Minnesota Vikings in 2025. The NFL announced the fellows in February 2025, highlighting the program’s commitment to fostering diversity within the coaching ranks.
Winona Looks to Rebuild a Football Tradition
The Wildcats’ recent downturn followed a period of sustained success under Keylon Kincade, who led the team to five consecutive playoff appearances. In 2016, Kincade guided Winona to an 8-6 record and a quarterfinal appearance, ultimately falling to state champion Gunter. Replicating that level of success will be a key objective for Moss.
The challenge facing Moss is clear: to rebuild a program that has lost its way. He inherits a team that needs to rediscover its winning formula and regain the confidence of the community. His experience at various levels, coupled with his recent exposure to the NFL, could prove invaluable in this endeavor.
Beyond the football field, Moss will also oversee all aspects of the Winona ISD athletic program as athletic director. This expanded role will require him to manage budgets, facilities, and personnel, ensuring that all student-athletes have the resources they need to succeed.
Family and Future Focus
Moss is joined in Winona by his wife, Regina, and their two children, Charles Moss III and Madison Moss. The family is eager to grow involved in the Winona community and contribute to the school district’s success.
The Winona ISD has not yet announced a formal introductory press conference for Coach Moss. However, district officials have indicated that further details regarding his plans for the football program will be released in the coming weeks. Parents and students can find updates on the Winona ISD website: https://www.winonaisd.net/. The focus now shifts to spring practices and preparing for the 2026 football season, with the hope that Moss can restore the Wildcats to their former glory.
The next key date for the Winona football program will be the start of spring practices in May, providing the first opportunity to see Coach Moss’s vision for the team in action. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and support for the Wildcats as they embark on this new chapter.
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