Former Irving MacArthur’s head football coach/athletic coordinator Brian Basil is set to take over Dane Johnson’s position. Basil joins Jag Nation after multiple playoff appearances during his ten years with Irving MacArthur.

“I truly believe that the Flower Mound football program has the players, resources, and support to accomplish many of the things we were able to accomplish at MacArthur,” Basil said. “I love the challenge of creating a culture where players want to accomplish some special things, and that exists here.”

After Johnson’s disappointing legacy, Basil has some obstacles ahead of him before the new season.

“The biggest challenge will be teaching a new system during the course of the spring and adjusting to a new culture,” Basil said. “However, I do not see that as much of a challenge as I believe they will embrace and take pride in the ‘We will win’ culture.”

UIL districts were recently realigned, meaning the athletic program will have to face not only LD Bell, Byron Nelson, and the usual LISD schools, but also the more notorious schools Euless Trinity and Southlake Carroll.

“I have played against both of those teams in the past, and they are outstanding programs,” Basil said. “In order to compete well against those teams we must develop great mental and physical toughness and discipline. We also have to have outstanding teamwork which involves believing in each other and in the system.”

Basil also played a part in choosing the team’s non-district games.

“Our non-district games are tentatively set for WT White, Keller Fossil Ridge, and Keller Timber Creek,” Basil said.

While he was chosen mainly for his coaching style, Basil also places a high standard on education, shown by his Bachelor of Arts degree with a Zoology (Pre-Med) major and Sociology minor from the Miami of Ohio University where he also played defensive back.

“We will have a goal of maintaining a certain team GPA not only during the season but during the off-season, as well,” Basil said.

On the other side of his job as the new athletic director, Basil fully encourages multi-sport athletes.

“I played football and baseball all through high school,” Basil said. “I believe that if you enjoy something, you should have an opportunity to do it. You are only in high school once and should embrace that opportunity.”

Although he only recently joined staff on campus, Basil is already eagerly awaiting to join the community.

“I look forward to being involved with a tremendous athletic program and leading a football team that is working towards accomplishing something very special,” Basil said.