During a special board meeting Wednesday evening Vernon ISD trustees named Brock Payne athletic director and head football coach for the district. The decision came after two nights of interviews with three finalists for the position.
“We received some impressive resumes from coaches interested in coming to Vernon and it was tough to narrow the list down to three finalists,” said VISD Supt. Dr. Blaise Boswell, who was tasked with sifting through the over 50 applications, holding preliminary interviews and selecting the three finalists. “All three of the finalists brought impressive resumes to the table, interviewed well, and were strong candidates. This was not an easy decision.
“But, throughout the interview process, Coach Payne distinguished himself from our other finalists for his vision for our program as a whole and his alignment with our district values,” Boswell continued. “He has a clear vision to continue building a competitive, character-driven athletic program that supports our students both on and off the field.”
The district’s search for a new AD/head football coach began in January when Kevin Sherrill resigned to accept the same position with Blooming Grove ISD.
Payne, who began his coaching career at Childress, came to Vernon in August of 2021 and has served as the Lions defensive coordinator for the last five seasons, along with serving as the academic coordinator for boys athletics, strength and conditioning head coach, wrestling head coach, and powerlifting assistant coach during that time as well. For the last two years, he has also served as the assistant head football coach and assistant athletic director.
“Over the past five years I have played a central role in helping restore the reputation of the Vernon Lions to that of a proud and successful program. It is my desire to continue to drive all sports associated with Vernon Lion and Lady Lion Athletics to the top of their districts,” Payne stated. “When people line up against the Lions, they will expect the challenge of their lives!”
The Lions have reached the third round of the playoffs each of the last two seasons, winning a total of 18 games, including four playoff games. Over the course of the last two seasons, the Lion defense has averaged giving up less than 18 points and 275 yards of total offense per game.
Payne played Division 1 football at Weber State University where he received his bachelor degree in Spanish. He is a certified Spanish teacher and has taught Spanish at VHS for five years. Payne earned his master’s degree in education administration from Lamar University, and also has his principal certification.
“With wearing so many different hats I have been able to build strong relationships with students, coaches, teachers and administration,” Payne said. “Having those relationships already in place will allow for immediate buy-in and support as I begin to lead our athletic program.”
Payne, 41, and his wife Shayla, a Childress native, have four children: daughter Brek, a junior at VHS; and sons, Tyce, sophomore at VHS; Luke, an eighth grader at VMS; and Bruce, a fifth grader.
“We have lived here for five years now, and we have been welcomed and supported during our time here,” Payne said. “We are truly excited about continuing to be here at Vernon ISD. Having come to know nearly every Vernon Lion athlete in our wonderful district, and with the recent changes in our district leadership, I can confidently testify that the future looks bright!”
Payne will assume this new leadership role immediately.