DeSoto defensive coordinator Aaron Babino has been named the new athletic director and head football coach at Cameron Yoe High School, Cameron ISD announced on Monday evening.

He replaces Rick Rhoades, who announced his retirement after his second stint with the Yoemen.

Babino has big shoes to fill as Rhoades’ legacy is cemented in Cameron where he led Yoe to three straight state titles from 2012-2014 and led the Yoemen to two other title game appearances. The former DeSoto DC has had plenty of success himself, being part of two state championships with the Eagles in 2022 and 2023 under DeSoto head coach and Central Texas native Claude Mathis.

“Coach Mathis gave me the opportunity to be an assistant athletic director in Marshall and that taught me a lot about budgeting and managing all sports on the boys and girls side," Babino said. "It helped prepare me for this opportunity. He’s a great motivator on the field and off the field. He really taught me a lot about hiring good people under you and letting those good people coach and because he did that and helped me to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, that really helped me develop."

Babino, who has spent the past five seasons at DeSoto, was the co-defensive coordinator in 2022 and called the defense in 2023 as the Eagles posted an unbeaten record and were the undisputed best team in the state of Texas. Babino was named the THSCA Region 3 Assistant Coach of the Year in 2023.

The new Yoe head coach is a native of Port Arthur and played his college football at the University of Texas from 1996-1999. He’s had stops as an assistant coach at Pflugerville Connally, Marshall and Tyler Lee.

“Cameron Yoe’s tradition is among the best in Texas," he said. "The kids and community are used to winning and I think we can continue that tradition. The location is really good for me and my family as well. Then when I met with the superintendent and the principal, they really impressed me. They are all in on athletics, they want us to be successful in everything. I’m ready to get started and become a part of this community."