Houston Christian will name Jason Bachtel head coach, sources have confirmed to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. An official announcement from the school is expected within the next 24 hours. Bachtel spent last season as offensive coordinator for the Huskies under previous head coach Braxton Harris.

Bachtel’s promotion at HCU marks the second time he's succeeded Harris as head coach. Bachtel replaced Harris at Howard Payne after helping lead Argyle to the 2020 Class 4A Division I state title as offensive coordinator. Harris previously departed the Yellow Jackets for a position at Campbell.

Once again, Bachtel is succeeding Harris after the latter accepted an offer to return to Campbell as head coach on New Year’s Eve. Bachtel inherits an HCU program that finished a historic 2023 campaign, with the Huskies securing the program’s first winning record (6-5).

Filling the vacancy from within the program allows Bachtel an opportunity to retain the top-ranked recruiting class after the early signing period, according to rankings provided by 247Sports. Harris assembled an outstanding staff, and Bachtel is expected to seek to retain some members while putting his touches on the program.

Bachtel was successful during his three-year stint at HPU, obtaining a 16-9 overall record, including back-to-back 7-3 campaigns in 2021 and 2022. It was the first time the Yellow Jackets program posted winning records in consecutive seasons since 2004-2005.

The Brownwood and HPU alum native led a potent East Texas Baptist offense. During his two years in Marshall, the Tigers produced nearly 500 yards and 37 points per game. Bachtel has extensive high school experience with stops at North Forney, Scurry-Rosser, Galena Park, and Gatesville.