In a letter sent to parents on Wednesday, Rockwall ISD announced that Rockwall-Heath head football coach John Harrell has resigned his post and will not return for a second season.

Harrell was placed on administrative leave in early January after an offseason workout that resulted in the hospitalization of several players, which resulted in an investigation by Rockwall ISD and Texas Child Protective Services; the results of that investigation have not been made public at this time.

Harrell, who was named head coach last January, had previously served as the Hawks run game coordinator under head coach Mike Spradlin, who announced his retirement in December 2021. In his lone season leading the Hawks, Harrell led Rockwall-Heath to a 7-5 record and a trip to the area playoffs before losing to eventual state champion DeSoto.

Expect Rockwall ISD athletic director Russ Reeves to move quickly on this job opening as Rockwall-Heath needs to someone in place quickly. Several members of the coaching staff from 2022 have already departed, including both the offensive and defensive coordinator. 

There are reports that formal offseason workouts have been non-existent for the past month. This will expedite the urgency of the district finding a new coach and getting the program back on track.