February 12th, 2025 8:00am
From Sul Ross State sports information:
Alpine, TX – Sul Ross State University has selected Lee Hays as the new head football coach. He is expected to begin in Alpine on Feb. 15.
He replaces Barry Derrickson, who resigned last fall.
"I'm honored and humbled to accept the head coaching position here at Sul Ross. This isn't just about football—it's about developing young men of character, building a program founded on discipline, hard work, and team-first values." said Hays. "Our goal isn't just to win games, but to create an environment where student-athletes can grow, learn, and become leaders both on and off the field. Together, we'll build something special here—not just a team, but a brotherhood that represents the very best of this college and our community."
Hays got his coaching start at Texas A&M Kingsville, 1997-98. He oversaw the tight ends while helping the Javelinas to a 20-5 record, winning the Lone Star Conference title twice and qualifying for the NCAA Division II playoffs both seasons.
After a stint as the offensive line coach at West Texas A&M in 1999, he returned to Kingsville as the defensive line coach (2000) and the offensive line coach (2001-02), developing 13 All-LSC selections and winning two additional LSC championships, and an appearance at the national semi-finals in 2002.
He returned to Canyon as the offensive coordinator from 2003-05 and after winning just seven games in the previous four seasons combined, helped the Buffaloes to a 10-2 record, their first conference championship since 1986 and a first-ever NCAA Division II playoff appearance – their best season in 55 years.
In 2005, Hays' offense led the country in passing with an average of 363.8 yards per game, garnering 23 All-LSC selections including three individual Lone Star Award winners.
He was hired as the offensive coordinator at Baylor in 2006, when the Bears averaged 23.6 points per game, their best mark since joining the Big 12 in 1996. He made a move to the University of Houston 10 2010, coaching the offensive line, and then to Tarleton State in 2011 as the offensive coordinator. The Texans averaged 32.1 points and nearly 400 offensive yards per game, doubling their win total from the year before.
From 2013-2016, he served as the offensive line coach at Texas Tech University. The Red Raiders ranked amongst the Top 10 in total offense all four years, appeared in two bowl games, had their first 1000-yard rusher since 1999, and signed the highest ranked offensive line class in program history. Hays helped develop seven All-Big 12 selections including LeRaven Clark (two-time All-Big 12 First Team, 2015 Second Team All-American).
"We are excited to bring Lobo football into a new era with Coach Hays." Said Sul Ross Athletic Director Amanda Workman. "His experience in DI, DII, the Lone Star Conference, and Texas high school football are invaluable to our student-athletes and coaches. I would like to thank the search committee for assisting in this process."
Hays comes to Alpine from Lubbock-Cooper High School (2018-24) where he was the offensive line coach and assistant offensive coordinator. Over the last four years, he helped the Pirates to the most wins and play-off games in school history.
He has a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Texas A&M Kingsville and a Master of Interdisciplinary Studies from West Texas A&M.
Originally from Del Rio, Hays and his wife, Roxanne, have two children – Cade and Shanlee.