EL PASO, Texas – Canutillo High School’s football program is preparing for a transition as head coach Scott Brooks, a fixture in the Borderland for 28 years, announced his retirement at the conclusion of the 2025 season. Brooks, now 60, will step down after guiding the Eagles to an 8‑2 record and a historic 200th victory, joining his late father Don Brooks in the exclusive 200‑win club.
Decades of service and family values
Brooks reflected on his journey, saying, “A lot of days I wake up and think, ‘do I really want to do this?’ But I do. I’m ready. It’s been a great 37 years and a great 27 or 28 years here – it’s been nothing but a pleasure.” He first arrived in Canutillo 28 years ago, taking the head‑coaching job at age 33 after several years as an assistant. “The first day of practice we had 38 kids in grades 9‑12; now we have 155 kids playing football for us,” he noted, underscoring the program’s growth under his stewardship.
Brooks attributes much of his coaching philosophy to his father, the late Don Brooks, one of El Paso’s most decorated coaches. “He said to be patient, to treat kids right, and to make sure coaches had time with their families,” Scott recalled, emphasizing the importance of family and faith in his approach.
On‑field achievements and community impact
While the early years were challenging, Brooks eventually led the Eagles to multiple district titles and playoff appearances. The pinnacle came in 2014 when Canutillo reached the Final Four of the UIL Class 5A Division II playoffs – a first for any El Paso team. “That season was an absolute grind, but the real reward is seeing my former players succeed in life,” Brooks said. He highlighted that many of those 2014 seniors are now engineers, physical therapists, and community leaders, a testament to the program’s emphasis on character development.
Brooks also stressed that football was never about personal glory. “Remember, it’s for the kids. We all have egos, but the kids are the ones that matter,” he affirmed, reinforcing his long‑standing commitment to youth mentorship.
Retirement plans rooted in family
When asked about his decision, Brooks explained a personal agreement with his wife: “We made a deal a couple of years ago, ‘you’re not going to coach as long as your dad,’ and my dad coached until he was 70. I don’t want to do that. I want to enjoy my life and see my grandkids.” After retirement, the Brooks family intends to relocate to a small town in Central Texas to be nearer extended family.
Season finale and future outlook
Canutillo’s season remains unfinished, with the Eagles set to host Abilene Cooper in the bi‑district round of the playoffs on Friday at 6 p.m. The community looks forward to cheering on a team that embodies the values of perseverance, faith, and family that Coach Brooks has championed throughout his storied career.
As the program prepares for a new era, former players, parents, and local supporters are expected to rally behind the next coach, ensuring that the legacy of the Brooks family continues to shape young lives on and off the field.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
