One path that doesn’t happen nearly as often as one might think is receiving an internal promotion. In other words, someone who had been an assistant coach getting tapped to become the head coach at the same school.
Such is the path that’s led Frank Muir to the head coaching position at Austin Crockett. Muir, who was the Cougars’ linebackers coach under Darrick Norton, takes over a Crockett program that’s won just one game the past two seasons since former running back Cameron Dickey graduated to the college ranks at Texas Tech.
“I've always been drawn to programs that have untapped potential rather than ones where you're simply maintaining success,” stated Muir. “The opportunity to lead Crockett, establish a championship culture, and leave a lasting impact on the players and the community is what excites me the most
“The kids here work hard. It just felt like the right fit (and) I'm excited to hit the ground running here and build something south Austin is proud of."
Muir played college football at California University of Pennsylvania, as well as some baseball at Thiel College prior to transferring. After his playing days ended, his path to the top job at Crockett has been anything but a steady climb. In fact, this is the second time that the 45-year-old Pittsburgh, PA native has received an internal promotion.
He began his coaching career as the linebackers coach at Brownsville Porter before becoming the defensive coordinator and eventually head coach/athletic director at 2A Santa Maria HS on the border. After rebuilding the Cougars of Santa Maria, Muir became the linebackers and defensive backs coach at Port Isabel before making his way to the Austin area as linebackers coach at Giddings. Following a stint at Cele Middle School in the Pflugerville ISD, Muir made his way to Crockett where it all came full circle. Linebackers coach to head coach/athletic coordinator for the Cougars.
Having filled multiple positions on the coaching hierarchy and with this being his second tour in the top spot, Muir knows the different expectations that come with being a head coach.
“The biggest difference is that as an assistant, you're responsible for your position group and supporting the head coach's vision. As the head coach, you're responsible for the entire program. That means setting the culture, hiring and developing your staff, building relationships with players, parents, administrators, and the community, and making sure every part of the program is aligned with your vision.”
Like an underclassman to whom leadership comes naturally, Muir has always been able to see the big picture more than the average young assistant coach.
“I've always tried to coach beyond my position by investing in relationships, helping with game planning, mentoring younger coaches, and thinking about what's best for the entire team,” Muir agreed. “I understand that the head coach has to make difficult decisions and take ownership of every outcome. That's a responsibility I embrace. I enjoy leading people, creating a culture of accountability, and empowering my assistant coaches so they can do their jobs at a high level.
For Muir, that responsibility extended beyond the field, as the head coach personally waded into the weeds of securing a Title Sponsor to enable VYPE Live to broadcast Cougars Football, increasing his program’s exposure this fall. (Shout out to Ally Medical Emergency Room, South Austin.)
After having success stabilizing and rebuilding a battered Santa Maria program, Muir hopes to do for the Crockett Cougars what he did for the Cougars in South Texas.
“My expectations are to establish a culture of accountability, discipline, and excellence from day one,” Muir declared. “Success starts with how we work every day, not just on Friday nights. I expect our players to be committed in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the practice field. If we consistently do those things, the wins will follow.”
He also understands the challenges in turning around a program that’s gone just 1-19 the past two seasons.
“In the first year, my goal is to build trust, develop relationships, and establish clear standards for how we operate. I want our players to understand what it means to represent Crockett with pride and to compete with great effort every week on and off the field.
“Going forward, I expect us to compete for a district championship every year and position ourselves to make deep playoff runs. More importantly, I want to build a program that is respected because of the way our players carry themselves, the consistency of our culture, and the development of our student-athletes. The expectation is that success isn't something we hope for; it's the standard we work toward every day. I always tell the boys to ‘Earn The Right.’ We are going to earn everything that we do on and off the field. We are going to win football games here.”
Along with his wife, Tana Ramirez, Coach Frank Muir has once again ascended to the top job within a program after toiling as an assistant coach and is eager to face the challenges that come with the move to the proverbial corner office.
“At the end of the day, football is still about developing young men and putting them in a position to succeed. The difference is that as the head coach, I'm responsible for ensuring every aspect of the program reflects those values. I am honored to lead this team every week onto the field.
“I'm just excited and ready for the challenge and very thrilled to have the staff that we have assembled,” he added. “Can't wait!”
