Woodrow Wilson has found its next leader, and it’s a name many Texas football fans will recognize. Former SMU star and NFL running back Keylon Kincade has been named the school’s new athletic coordinator and head football coach, Dallas ISD announced on Friday.
Woodrow Wilson selects Keylon Kincade as athletic coordinator, head football coach. #PlayBIGDallas
🗞️ https://t.co/pwe60vc7kH pic.twitter.com/iMxENdSiNj
— Dallas ISD Athletics (@dallasathletics) April 11, 2025
“I am incredibly honored and excited for the opportunity to lead the football team and campus athletics at Woodrow Wilson,” Kincade said. “This is an opportunity that comes with tremendous responsibility, and I am fully committed to giving my all to the school, athletic department, and the Woodrow community.”
Kincade’s football journey started in East Texas, where he starred at Troup High School — a small but proud 3A program in Smith County. A standout in football, basketball, and track, Kincade earned all-state honors before heading to Southern Methodist University.
At SMU, Kincade made a huge impact. He rushed for over 3,000 yards during his college career, including back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2002 and 2003. His 2002 (1,279 yards) and 2003 (1,290 yards) seasons still rank #3 and #4 on the school’s all-time single-season rushing list. He also led the Western Athletic Conference in yards from scrimmage in 2003 and in carries for two consecutive years.
After college, Kincade signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He later joined the Dallas Cowboys, where he spent parts of three seasons. In 2005, he suited up for the Cologne Centurions of NFL Europe, and in 2006, he made an NFL appearance for the Cowboys against the Arizona Cardinals, recording four carries for nine yards.
Following his playing career, Kincade transitioned into coaching — and he’s spent 17 years building a strong résumé. Most recently, he served as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator at Saginaw Chisholm Trail under Ricklan Holmes. He also spent a decade as athletic director and head football coach at Winona High School and had coaching stints at Mansfield Timberview and Fort Worth Paschal.
Originally, Woodrow Wilson announced longtime DeSoto assistant Paul Beattie as its new coach back in March. However, Beattie stepped away from the job just five days later due to family issues, opening the door for Kincade’s arrival.
Kincade replaces John Fish, who went 16-17 over three seasons, including a strong 7-4 record last fall before departing to coach at Frisco Heritage.
From small-town Troup, Texas, to the NFL and now to leading one of Dallas ISD’s proudest athletic programs, Keylon Kincade’s journey is a full-circle moment — and Woodrow Wilson fans have plenty to be excited about.
