In a surprise announcement on social media, Dave Henigan announced he is stepping down as head coach at Denton Ryan High School after an incredible 12-year run leading the Raiders.

Henigan led Denton Ryan to double-digit wins in nine of his 12 seasons, compiled a 141–23 record, and guided the Raiders to the 2020 Class 5A Division I state championship, where they blew past Cedar Park to claim the program’s third state title.

"I am retiring from coaching and it’s just time to prioritize some other things in my life," he said. "When you are a head coach in Texas, it consumes you and your time. We are looking to prioritize our time going forward."

Additionally, Henigan led Ryan to a state runner-up finish in 2019 and guided the Raiders to the state semifinals four other times (2016, 2017, 2018, and 2024). He finishes his career with a 197–75 head coaching record, including previous stops at Corsicana and Grapevine, before returning to Denton Ryan in 2014.

"I made a vow to myself a long time ago when I felt like I couldn’t push the program forward that I’d step away. and it was the right time to do it because it’s the right thing to do for the kids," Henigan said. "When you get to my age you only have a certain window of time to do things in your life and the last thing I want to do is short-change Denton Ryan because they’ve been so good to me and my family."

Henigan previously served as Denton Ryan’s offensive coordinator through 2004, before departing to become Corsicana’s head coach. During his time as OC under now Denton ISD athletic director Joey Florence, Henigan helped lead Ryan to state championships in 2001 and 2002, along with state runner-up finishes in 2000 and 2003.

"Ryan means so much to me," he said. "People on the outside don’t realize how special a place that Ryan High School is. There’s so many people here that really understand how to help kids and to be part of that has been special and I’m so proud of it. We’ve won a lot here, that’s fun but that’s not what it’s about. This place has changed my life for the better and I am very blessed."

In his post, Henigan did not specifically state that he is retiring, and the move may allow him to focus on being a dad and watching his two sons. His oldest son, Seth — who quarterbacked Ryan to the 2020 state title — recently completed his career at Memphis and is on the practice squad for the Indianapolis Colts. His younger son, Quin, just wrapped up his high school career and will have the opportunity to play college football.

Henigan’s departure creates another major head coaching opening in the DFW area, as Southlake Carroll remains open, while North Crowley and Lancaster hired new head coaches earlier this week. It is also the second opening in Denton ISD this week, as Denton Braswell and head coach Kent Laster parted ways after three seasons.