BREAKING: Celina Names Veteran Winner as Next Head Coach
Celina ISD hires Wichita Falls Memorial head coach Marc Bindel to lead the Bobcats into Class 5A, replacing Bill Elliott and taking over a state powerhouse program in transition.
Bindel, a native of Wichita Falls, has been coaching in Wichita Falls ISD since 2009. He spent five seasons on staff at Wichita Falls Rider under now Abilene ISD AD James Garfield. When Garfield left Rider in early 2014, Bindel who was the offensive coordinator, became the head coach. Bindel has an impressive 99-53 overall record in 12 seasons as a head coach.
He takes over a Celina team making the move up to Class 5A-Division II. The Bobcats won the Class 4A-Division I state title in 2024 with a 16-0 record and posted a 14-1 mark in 2025, losing in the state semifinals to eventual state champion Stephenville.
“Coach Bindel is one of the best football coaches and minds I’ve ever been around," Garfield said. "He is amazing with kids and he is good for kids."
In 10 seasons leading the Rider program, Bindel’s Raiders were a model of consistency by posting a state semifinal appearances in 2018 and 2020, regional final appearances in 2019 and 2021, and regional semifinal appearances in 2014 and 2023.
The 2023 season was Rider’s last season as Wichita Falls ISD consolidated from three high schools to two brand new high schools and Bindel was selected by then-WFISD athletic director Grant Freeman to become the first ever head football coach at Wichita Falls Memorial High School. He led the new program to the playoffs in both seasons and in 2024 led MHS to the area round of the playoffs.
“Marc was on of my favorite opponents to go against as a head coach," Burnet CISD Athletic Director Grant Freeman said. "because he made you think, it was like a game of chess. He’s an outstanding culture builder and he does a great job working with coaches and kids. He’s ahead of his time on offense. He always thinks outside of the box. They’ll run Air Raid, but then they’ll execute the single wing just as effectively. For someone like me who is a football junkie it was a blast because he made me a better coach having to go against him."
Bindel’s departure from Wichita Falls means new WFISD athletic director Devon Dorris gets to make his first big hire in the district since his appointment to the role in late January. It’ll be very interesting to see the field of candidates that look into this opening as Memorial moves into the 2026 season.
This article is available to our Digital Subscribers.
Click "Subscribe Now" to see a list of subscription offers.
Already a Subscriber? Sign In to access this content.
We've been the Bible of Texas football fans for over 60 years. By joining the DCTX Family you'll gain access to all of our exclusive content and have our magazines mailed to you!