Ballinger Football Coach Lang Steps Down

BALLINGER, TX — Ballinger ISD head football coach and athletic director Ty Lang has stepped down to accept a new job in Stephenville.

Lang will take over as Stephenville’s junior high coordinator and also serve as an offensive assistant for the varsity program.

Lang spent three years in Ballinger, which included a breakthrough season last year when the Bearcats went 5-6 and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

Lang inherited a rebuilding Ballinger team in 2022, and the Bearcats struggled to a combined record of 1-19 the next two seasons, which were the school’s last in Class 3A before it dropped to 2A.

This year’s success was a rewarding experience for the players and coaches, Lang said.

“It was awesome. … Obviously, I had really big shoes to fill with Coach (Chuck) Lipsey stepping out, but the kids bought in to what we were doing from Day 1,” Lang said. “For a couple years, it wasn’t what we wanted, but the kids were still working hard and trying and grinding to get there. And to finally see some success, it was a testament to them.

“I was able to visit with them this morning, and it’s never an easy conversation to have because of how much you love them and care about them. But they’re going to refocus and get back to work and go get after it next year.”

Lang said he had no plans on leaving Ballinger, but when the opportunity in Stephenville presented itself, he felt like he had to take it.

Stephenville is one of the state’s most storied programs. The Yellow Jackets have won six state titles, most recently in 2021, and they reached the state quarterfinals of the Class 4A Division I playoffs last year.

“I’ve always held Coach (Sterling) Doty and that program in high esteem. They’ve done a phenomenal job there,” Lang said. “When the opportunity presented itself for me and my family, I felt like the Lord was opening a door we needed to step through.

“But it hurts my heart for this to end, because we’ve been pouring into this. 

Lang previously served as an assistant and interim head coach at 4A Decatur in 2021 and as an assistant at 4A Brownwood.

Ballinger will now have a short window to find Lang’s replacement before practices begin for the 2025 season in early August.