After a three-month search that took multiple twists and turns, Mexia ISD made things official on Thursday by naming Carthage running backs coach Demond Horsley as the next athletic director/head football coach at Mexia High School.

Horsley takes over for Aaron Nowell, who resigned his post on November 19 after a disappointing 1-9 record in 2025.

“When I got the news last night it was a little overwhelming," Horsley said. "I’m ready for the opportunity. The new superintendent in Mexia understands how important athletics can be and he’s trying to get things going in the right direction. I feel like there’s support across the board and there’s a desire to get that Mexia pride back. Mexia is a similar community to Atlanta and I feel like I’m a good fit to come in and make a difference."

A native of Atlanta, TX, Horsley played college football at Missouri Southern State where he earned his bachelor’s degree; he later earned his masters at Lamar University.

Horsley is a decorated assistant coach where he’s been part of six state title teams in two separate stints at Carthage. He spent six seasons in Panola County from 2014-2019 where Horsley was the special teams coordinator and running backs coach and was part of state title staffs in 2016, 2017 and 2019.

He left Carthage in 2020 when he became the offensive coordinator at Daingerfield. In 2021, Horsley returned to his hometown Atlanta where he was the running backs coach and assistant athletic director. Horsley returned to Carthage in 2022 and has been part of title teams in 2022, 2024 and 2025.

“My time at Carthage has prepared me for this," he said. "I’ve been a part of one of the best programs in the history of Texas High School Football. I’ve lived and seen it every day and you couldn’t ask for a better coach to learn under than Coach Surratt. I’ve been blessed to be part of multiple state championship teams."

The new Mexia head coach says he plans on getting started early next week. 

“We want to bring the pride back to Mexia and play for something bigger than ourselves," he said.