Memorial High School didn’t have to look far for its next football coach. The Mustangs are turning the page to an exciting new era with the hiring of Brooks Haack as their new head football coach and campus athletic director.
A Katy native and former Division I quarterback, Haack brings a lifetime of football knowledge, a championship mindset, and a deep love for the game to his new role. But before he was dialing up plays on the sideline, he was already drawing Xs and Os in his childhood bedroom.
Memorial High School (MHS) welcomes new head football coach Brooks Haack https://t.co/T20hlyEUHv pic.twitter.com/RjfNzXGP8Q
— Spring Branch ISD (@SBISD) January 30, 2025
Born to Coach: A Football Journey That Started Early
Haack’s love for football started long before he ever suited up for Katy High School. His mom, Leslie Haack, remembers catching five-year-old Brooks huddled over a play school desk, furiously scribbling football plays after his first season of flag football.
So, did his family always know he’d grow up to be a coach?
“I don’t even know if Brooks had a choice to do anything else,” his mom said with a laugh.
Football was the family business. His dad, Kalum Haack, was a legendary softball coach at Katy High School for 26 years, winning two state titles. His mom built Cinco Ranch’s softball program from scratch before moving into administration. Competitive fire ran in the bloodline, and Brooks was raised in a home where sports—and coaching—were a way of life.
As a kid, Haack dressed as a coach for every Halloween, clipboard in hand, mimicking his dad’s fiery dugout antics. And when it came time for his own playing career, he didn’t disappoint.
A Standout Career at Katy High School
At Katy High School, Haack was more than just a coach’s kid—he was a winner. He led the Tigers to a 27-3 record as a starting quarterback, showcasing the leadership and competitiveness that would define his career. His play earned him a Division I scholarship to Louisiana-Lafayette, where he played quarterback before transitioning into coaching.
Even back in high school, Haack had a connection to Memorial High School. Before Katy ISD expanded, Memorial was a district rival, and Haack remembers facing off against some of the best Mustang teams of the era.
“There’s always been a great sense of pride in this community for Memorial football,” Haack said. “I’m excited to build on that tradition and take this program to new heights.”
Championship Pedigree: From Randle to Memorial
Haack arrives at Memorial fresh off helping Richmond Randle win a 5A Division II state championship, where he served as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator. The Lions went 14-0, toppling powerhouse South Oak Cliffin an instant classic.
What made the win even more remarkable? The Lions were in just their third year as a varsity program. Haack and the coaching staff had built the program from the ground up, starting with unloading weight room equipment off 18-wheelers in the program’s infancy to lifting a state championship trophy just a few years later.
“All those hours we put in, all that work—it bonded us for life,” Haack said. “We knew what it took to get there.”
Now, he’s ready to bring that same work ethic, innovation, and energy to Memorial.
Building a New Culture at Memorial
While football success is a priority, Haack is just as focused on building relationships and creating a championship culture off the field.
He plans to introduce community-driven initiatives, including:
- Recruitment Nights to connect athletes with college programs
- Youth Camps to develop the next generation of Mustangs
- “Breakfast with Moms” and “Decals with Dads” events to bring families into the program
“It’s about more than just football—it’s about building young leaders and making this program a source of pride for the entire community,” Haack said.
A Fresh Start for Memorial Football
Memorial football is entering a new era, and Haack is embracing the challenge of leading a proud program into the future.
The Mustangs finished 4-7 last season, but with a state championship coach at the helm and a renewed energy in the locker room, expectations are high for a quick turnaround.
Paige Hershey, Spring Branch ISD’s Executive Director of Athletics, believes the Mustangs found the right leader.
“Coach Haack understands what it takes to build a successful program—both on and off the field,” Hershey said. “He’s committed to building a championship culture at Memorial.”
Haack is ready to bring his fire, passion, and competitive drive to Memorial. And if his past success is any indication, the Mustangs are in for an exciting ride.
