This Glen Rose Tigers Sports Minute is brought to you by Glen Rose Medical Center
The future of the Glen Rose football program and athletics department changed quickly over a 24-hour span this week.
On Monday, longtime head football coach and athletic director Cliff Watkins accepted the same position at Decatur after being unanimously approved by the Decatur ISD school board. Watkins leaves Glen Rose after 10 seasons, during which he compiled a 92-36 record and led the Tigers to the playoffs every year.
The Glen Rose school board responded Tuesday by promoting defensive coordinator Jeff Pair to replace Watkins. Pair has also been with the program for the past decade and played a key role in the Tigers’ runs to the Class 4A Division II state semifinals in 2022 and 2023.
Because of Pair’s familiarity with the program and its personnel, the transition is expected to be a smooth one for Glen Rose as preparations continue for the 2026 season. Fall football workouts are scheduled to begin Aug. 3.