Austin ISD’s most successful program in recent memory is now searching for a head football coach as LBJ head coach Jahmal Fenner announced on Monday morning that he was resigning his post leading the Jaguars after five seasons. 

The resignation is not totally unexpected as Fenner has been recently linked by multiple outlets to become the new Director of High School Relations at the University of Texas, although no official announcement by the University of Texas has been made. That position opened up when Chris Gilbert became Assistant Head Coach/Tight Ends Coach at the University of North Texas. 

Fenner, a former star cornerback at Austin Reagan played for head coach Andrew Jackson in his high school days, after his playing days at UTEP and in Arena Football wrapped up, he joined Andrew Jackson’s staff at LBJ where he served as offensive coordinator. In 2017, while Coach Jackson courageously battled cancer, Fenner took on a more prominent role on staff while Coach Jackson underwent treatment. 

Coach Fenner was named head coach in February 2018 after the passing of Jackson in November 2017 and his stint at LBJ was filled with unprecedented success posting a 49-13 record in five seasons. The high-water mark came in 2020 when the Jaguars posted a 15-1 record, advancing to the Class 4A-Division I state championship game. Fenner’s LBJ squad also advanced to the 4A-Division I state semifinals in 2020 and his 2022 squad won a district title as a 5A-Division II squad. 

There is no word at this time from Austin ISD athletics on when the search will begin for the next head coach to lead the LBJ football program.