SAISD Assistant Athletic Director Mark Baker Announces Retirement

SAN ANGELO, TX — Longtime San Angelo ISD coach and assistant athletic director Mark Baker has announced his retirement. His last day with the school district will be Jan. 30.

Baker has served as SAISD’s assistant athletic director since 2009. He was also an offensive line coach for many years at Central and Lake View high schools.

Baker, a native of Monahans, graduated from Angelo State University, where he was a defensive lineman on the football team. 

After college, he was signed by the Chicago Bears in 1986 as they attempted to defend their Super Bowl title. He played two seasons with the Bears.

He then returned to San Angelo to begin a 36-year career in public education, which began as a history teacher at Glenn Middle School. 

Baker was named the Region 2 Athletic Administrator of the Year by the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association in 2016.

“Teaching and coaching is the most honorable profession in the world,” Baker said in a Facebook post announcing his retirement. “I have built relationships, friendships with some genuine people that I will be forever grateful for. It takes a village for all of us and mine was large. I am thankful that God gave me the ability to play football as it paved paths and opened doors.

“With all that being said, I will be hanging up my whistle and will retire on January 30.”