Midland Independent School District (ISD) has hired a new head football coach for their high school’s team, according to a district press release.
Thad Fortune will be the new high school football coach at Midland High School, a move which was unanimously agreed upon on Feb. 8.
Fortune was previously at Odessa Permian High School where he was the assistant coach for seven seasons and served as the offensive coordinator. Coming from his own football career, Fortune is skilled in the sport. He played quarterback at Anson High School, then he played at East Texas Baptist University. He also coached at Stephenville High School and East Texas Baptist University prior to Permian.
Blake Feldt, executive director of Midland ISD, who was responsible for hiring Fortune into an assistant position, is pleased with the move to hire him full-time.
"His passion for the game and for our student athletes is unmatched," Feldt said. "We are confident in Coach Fortune's ability to lead the Bulldogs into the future."
While Fortune is a gifted coach, athletically speaking, his pull to the career was not solely an athletic one.
"I got into coaching for the relationships," Fortune said. "How you can use sports to develop young men and women to be the best they can be?"
Fortune said that he is grateful for the opportunity to be coaching at Midland High School.
“This is just a wonderful opportunity,” Fortune said.
Fortune is replacing the empty spot that was left by Tim Anuszkiewicz who was recently reassigned.
“I’ve had a really charmed coaching career, so for this to happen to me I’m humbled and grateful,” Fortune told CBS 7. “I’m just looking forward to it. Ready to help the Bulldogs achieve more.”
Fortune is married with two children.
The Bulldogs look forward to their future successes under the new coach.