Jan. 24, 2022 – BeaumontEnterprise.com
The all-time wins leader in Port Neches-Groves football history is leaving to take over a different program.
Brandon Faircloth, who has served as PN-G’s head coach for the last 13 years, was named the next head coach and athletic director at Sulphur Springs on Monday night.
PN-G’s coach since 2009, Faircloth leaves the school with a 102-51 overall record. He made the playoffs in 12 of his 13 seasons, most recently leading the team into the third round of the Class 5A-II bracket this fall.
Faircloth did not respond to repeated attempts by the Enterprise to reach him, but did attend Monday night’s meeting in Sulphur Springs where he was officially approved as the Wildcats next coach.
The circumstances surrounding Faircloth’s departure remain uncertain. His contract at the school was up. Despite his successful history, certain players believed Faircloth was being “forced out” by the PN-G administration.
PN-G starting quarterback Cole Crippen spoke publicly in defense of his coach and said several other players felt the same way. While rumors swirled of Faircloth’s coaching status last month, Crippen spoke at a school board meeting in support of his coach, hoping to help remedy the situation.
When news broke of Faircloth’s departure on Monday, Crippen again spoke in support of his coach when contacted by the Enterprise.
Crippen described Faircloth as a “father figure” who was more than just a coach. The senior quarterback knew Faircloth before he ever took the field as a PN-G player, and said Sulphur Springs is in store for big things.
“I do believe he’s being forced out (from PN-G),” Crippen said. “Politics is a big thing in this town, and it’s sad to say that. All he has done for this community…I feel like he’s being betrayed.”
Crippen said Faircloth will address the PN-G team one last time on Tuesday.
Superintendent Mike Gonzalez was complimentary of Faircloth in a statement released on Monday. Gonzalez said PN-G plans to post the job “as soon as possible” in search of Faircloth’s replacement.
“I have had the honor of working with coach Faircloth for 12 of the 13 years he has served as head coach and athletic director,” Gonzalez said. “I am proud of his many accomplishments, and I am excited to see what the future holds for him at Sulphur Springs ISD. I am confident that coach Faircloth’s dedication and commitment will lead to further success. I wish him the best of luck.”
Sulphur Springs is located 80 miles east of Dallas and competes as a 5A-II football team. The Wildcats went 0-10 last season and haven’t won a playoff game since 2014.
PN-G’s sudden job search comes just a few weeks before UIL realignment is set to occur. High school principal Scott Ryan will handle PN-G’s realignment-related affairs, a school spokesman said.
mfaye@beaumontenterprise.com
