In a surprising turn of events, Chris Lancaster has resigned from his position as head football coach and athletic director at Mart High School in Texas, just one game into the 2026 season. This announcement was made public through a letter sent to the community, as reported by DCTF's Matt Stepp.
The Mart Panthers, known for being the second-winningest high school football program in Texas, faced a challenging start to the season with a 40-0 loss at home against Whitney. Lancaster joined the Panthers in 2025, guiding the team to a 7-6 record during his initial season. His departure marks a significant moment for a program that has a storied history in Texas high school football.
In the official letter, Mart ISD expressed gratitude for Lancaster's contributions, stating, "We are grateful for Coach Lancaster’s time, leadership, and dedication to Mart ISD and our athletic programs. We wish him the very best as he begins his next journey." The school district announced that assistant coach Kyle Stone will take over as both the interim athletic director and head football coach, with his first game in this role scheduled for Friday night against Axtell.
Chris Lancaster's coaching career spans 11 seasons, during which he accumulated a record of 53-68 while coaching at Bruceville-Eddy, Little River-Academy, and Robinson before arriving at Mart. He succeeded long-time coach Kevin Hoffman, who led the Panthers to three state championships, leaving behind a legacy of success.
Mart High School boasts an impressive football history, with 851 all-time wins, ranking second only to Highland Park for the most victories in Texas high school football. The Panthers have claimed eight state championships over 15 championship appearances, with their most recent title coming in 2019. This rich tradition adds to the significance of Lancaster's abrupt resignation, as the program aims to maintain its competitive edge in the state.
As the Panthers prepare for the upcoming game under interim coach Kyle Stone, the community will be watching closely to see how the team responds to this unexpected leadership change. The impact of Lancaster's resignation on the players and the program as a whole remains to be seen, but it certainly marks a pivotal moment in the 2026 season for Mart football.
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