Abilene ISD is keeping things in-house at Abilene Cooper High School.
The district announced Wednesday that Scott Stewart has been named Cooper’s new head football coach and campus athletic coordinator. Stewart replaces Aaron Roan, who recently accepted a new role as Abilene ISD’s assistant director of athletics.
For Cooper, this is a familiar face taking over a program with a steady heartbeat. Stewart has served as the Cougars’ defensive coordinator, head boys track coach, and head girls powerlifting coach.
“Scott Stewart is one of the most respected leaders in the Abilene community,” Abilene ISD Executive Director of Athletics Jim Garfield said. “His hard work, knowledge of the game of football, and ability to connect with kids make him a true difference-maker.”
Stewart brings 22 years of coaching and education experience to the role, with leadership stops at both the high school and college levels. Since joining Cooper in 2012, he has been part of a program that has continued one of the area’s most consistent playoff runs.
Cooper has reached the postseason in 14 consecutive seasons. That is not exactly a small note at the bottom of the resume. That is a culture.
“Scott Stewart stood out among many qualified candidates to become the next football coach at Cooper High School,” Cooper Principal Jon Patrick said. “His expertise of the game is evident, but his heart for our students truly set him apart as the man for the job. Cooper is very fortunate to have Coach Stewart lead the way for our athletic program.”
Stewart’s impact at Cooper has not been limited to football. Under his leadership in girls powerlifting, 16 student-athletes qualified for the state meet, including a state silver medalist in 2026. He also guided multiple boys track athletes to state competition.
Before coming to Abilene ISD, Stewart spent five years at McMurry University, where he served as a football defensive assistant, recruiting coordinator, and athletic transportation director. He later worked for three years in San Angelo ISD as a football defensive assistant, boys basketball coach, and boys track coach.
Stewart earned his Bachelor of Science in multidisciplinary studies from McMurry University. He is also a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association and the American Football Coaches Association.
“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as the head football coach and campus athletic coordinator for Cooper High School,” Stewart said. “Cooper is a special place with a proud tradition, and I am committed to leading our student-athletes with integrity, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in our community.”
Now, Stewart gets the keys to a program he already knows well.
That should help the transition. The expectations, though, are not going anywhere. Cooper has built a playoff standard, and Stewart now gets the job of protecting it, building on it, and adding his own stamp to the Cougars’ next chapter.
