TEXARKANA, Texas – Jonathan Darby is feeling the heat of replacing Josh Gibson as Pleasant Grove’s athletic director and head football coach.
Gibson led the Hawks to two state championships (2017 and 2019), and 124 wins in163 games during his 12-year career at Pleasant Grove. He stepped away from coaching last December, admitting he was burned out from the pressure of never slowing down during those 12 football seasons.
“This will be my first head coaching job, and obviously there’s some excitement with that,” said Darby, who joined the Pleasant Grove coaching staff five years ago after serving as an assistant at Texas Christian University and Southwestern Oklahoma State. “There’s some nerves involved, but it helps having an opportunity at a place I’m familiar with.
“What Josh was able to accomplish here, and build here, is incredible. I’m inheriting a winning athletic program, winning football program, and great culture. There’s pressure to be successful, but no two people are the same. I’ll do some things different from what Josh did. I think it’s a good pressure.”
Most of the Hawks’ defensive coaching staff remains, having worked closely with Darby, while he was defensive coordinator. However, several members of the offensive staff took new jobs after Darby was promoted.
2026 Pleasant Grove Hawks football team wants to compete for a championship
Graduation claimed 27 Hawks in May. Darby recognizes the challenge, but is quick to note that Pleasant Grove still wants to compete for a championship.
“We’re replacing those 27 with some really quality human beings,” said Darby. “They just haven’t been tested under fire, yet.
“Anytime you return an all-district, all-state quarterback (Colt Yancy),you’ve got to be excited. We have a good offensive line back, good running backs, and good play makers at receiver. Defensively, we have some holes in the secondary to fill.”
Dave Campbell Magazine recently published an article involving 10 new coaches in Texas capable of winning a state championship, and that list included Darby.