NFHS names new Head Football Coach
Forney ISD announcement of naming Coach Marcus Shavers as the new Head Football Coach.
After a multi-round interview process consisting of numerous outstanding candidates, the Forney ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved Coach Marcus Shavers to take over the Falcon football program at their April 22 board meeting.
“I had the honor of coaching Marcus in high school, and have continued to stay in touch and follow his career,” retired Allen High School Coach Terry Gambill said. “He is an incredible guy that goes above and beyond coaching on the field, as he loves the kids. He is going to do everything he can to make sure that his students are successful on and off the field in every aspect of their life.”
Shavers was a U.S. Army All American athlete at Allen High School and a three year letterman for the University of Arkansas. He was inducted into the Allen High School Sports Hall of Honor in 2023, has been named Dave Campbell’s top 35 coaches under 35 twice, and was elected by his peers as a THSCA Region I Board Member.
It is an exciting time to be a Falcon, according to Forney ISD Athletic Director Neal Weaver, noting factors like dynamic growth, middle school alignment, new stadium, and the great potential of the campus. “We had a lengthy interview process for this position,” said Weaver, “because we know what a deep influence it carries for kids and campus culture. Coach Shavers impressed us again and again, and references raved about his character, abilities, and dedication to young people. We believe he will truly be a special leader for North Forney High School.”
He started his coaching career in 2009 at Wichita Falls where he quickly advanced to Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach. He was Associate Head Coach at West Mesquite before accepting his first Head Coaching position at Lubbock Estacado in 2016. He and his staff immediately turned a struggling program into a playoff team and a District Champion. He was named District Coach of the Year and Lone Star Varsity Journal Coach of the Year while at Estacado.
In 2018, Shavers took over the McKinney High School program where they made the playoffs in his initial season, won the school’s first playoff game in 25 years, and built a perennial 6A contender. Shavers had established himself as one of the best young coaches in the state.
While at McKinney, a social media post prompted a district investigation. “It was hard seeing someone suggest things on social media I knew were not true,” Shavers said. “I strive to be a man of integrity, and I am proud of the way I handled myself and of the school district for standing by me.” Shavers was cleared of any wrongdoing by McKinney ISD, and his team went on to finish the season at 9-3.
“It was time,” he said. “We had a great run there, and I love those people. Now, I am focused on joining the family at North Forney. I’ve met all challenges head on, as a kid as well as an adult. Faith and my family keep me grounded. Trust is truth over time, and trust me, we are going to work very hard to provide a second-to-none experience at North Forney.”
Shavers will join the staff and community at North Forney immediately. He looks forward to meeting the students on April 24, and their families at Meet the Coach night on Thursday, April 25 at 6 p.m. at the North Forney field house.