Get ready for an exciting journey as we dive into the world of Lion Football and the future of East Texas A&M University's athletic program!
The Battle for Excellence
Lion Nation, it's time to talk about the state of our beloved football team and the steps we're taking to reach new heights. With the season behind us, there are questions and expectations buzzing around, especially regarding our coaching staff and resource allocation. I want to address these head-on and share some exciting news as we transition into the offseason.
A Resurgence on the Horizon
First, let's celebrate the return of Coach Clint Dolezel for the 2026 season! On the field, Coach Dolezel has led an incredible offensive turnaround, ranking 18th in the nation for passing offense and consistently scoring in the top half of the country. But it's not just about the game; off the field, Dolezel's teams have graduated an impressive number of students, ranking among the top 10 in the nation for the past two years. And get this - the football team achieved its first 3.0 GPA in five years during the Spring 2025 semester!
While these improvements are undeniable, we're not resting on our laurels. We acknowledge that the results on the field haven't quite met our collective vision yet. But here's where it gets controversial...
Aligning Expectations with Results
Since my arrival at East Texas, the athletics department has been working hand-in-hand with university leaders to develop an ambitious plan. We're investing aggressively in our athletics program while navigating the challenging Division I reclassification process. And we've already seen some fantastic results! From scholarship enhancements to new coaching staff additions, media growth, and even a brand-new $75 million event center, we're leaving no stone unturned.
Specifically for football, since our transition to Division I in 2021, the university has increased its total football expenditure by nearly $2 million annually. This increased investment has led to a full scholarship allotment, new full-time staff, and an elevated operating budget for football, putting us on par with the top teams in the Southland Conference. We've also completely refreshed our equipment, engaged a renowned design firm for a feasibility study on our football stadium, and added top-notch medical support to our sports medicine team.
The Next Phase: Unlocking Potential
But we're not stopping there! The next phase of our football investment plan is already underway, and it's going to take us to the next level. Effective immediately, we're enhancing our resources for Lion Football with:
- The highest assistant coach salary pool in the Southland Conference.
- A six-figure NIL/revenue-sharing pool to attract and retain elite student-athletes.
- Plans to convert the Field House into a dedicated football training facility with an indoor turf field, meeting rooms, a new weight room, and coaches' offices. This investment will be a game-changer for recruiting, developing, and retaining future football champions.
These enhancements are a testament to the full alignment between athletics and university leadership. We're committed to achieving long-term, sustainable success for football, but we can't do it alone.
The Power of Donor Support
Over the past two years, we've seen an incredible growth in donors to Lion Athletics, reaching an all-time high. This support has been instrumental in elevating our 14 sport programs and contributing to record-breaking academic and graduation outcomes for our student-athletes. However, we must continue to build on this momentum. While our pride is growing, we need more donors to consistently compete for championships across all sports.
In the coming weeks, we'll be launching a branded campaign with a bold goal: to raise the number of annual athletics donors to 4,000. Based on our modeling and benchmarking against successful Division I peers, we believe this number will position East Texas A&M for championship-level success in all sports, including national championships in FCS football.
Is this a lofty goal? Absolutely. But with your support, it's achievable. Your investment, no matter the amount, is crucial in shaping the future of Lion Athletics. Imagine the impact we can have if we grow our donor base from nearly 400 to 4,000!
Join the Pride and Make a Difference
Your support is the key to unlocking the full potential of Lion Athletics. Visit www.lionathletics.com/excellence to join the pride today and be a part of this exciting journey.
Thank you for your unwavering passion, loyalty, and support. I'm here for any questions or discussions about football or any other sport program. Let's continue this exciting conversation and work together to make East Texas A&M a force to be reckoned with!
Hail ET and Go Lions!
Jim Curry
Director of Athletics
East Texas A&M University
