With the departure of Roy Swift, McAllen High School becomes not only the most sought after program in the valley, but 30-5A’s third boys basketball opening (Palmview and Donna).  The question that was posed to me by Alex Del Barrio of Fox was who were the leading candidates for the position.  At the time I was watching my nephew go 0-3 in his baseball tournament and my mind was far from basketball.   However, as I got into my vehicle, the names started to pop into my mind.  For this article I am going to limit the coaches to my top 3 candidates for the position in my mind.

Ryan Flores- Flores is the son of former PSJA head coach Robert Flores and the current varsity assistant at McAllen Memorial.  He’s been a Varsity Assistant for 5 years,  and is an up and comer.  He has work ethic and knowledge of the district.  Having coached at McAllen Memorial gives him some familiarity of the town and the kids he’d be taking over.  If McHi was looking to start a program fresh, Flores would be the guy. The only knock on him is that he doesn’t have the varsity head coaching position that so many people covet.  On the side, how can you start a head coaching record without a chance.

Homer Garr- Garr has been running Roma basketball for 5 years, posting a sweet sixteen appearance and a number of district championships.  He also has a home in McAllen and the proximity of McHi may be enough to change jobs.  Garr could stay at Roma and continue his winning ways, but could you blame him if for not wanting to drive two hours each way?  Also, his record speaks for itself.  If McHi was looking for a coach with a track record of winning look no further, in the last four years he’s coached the Gladiators to 106 wins- 32 losses, 8 wins to 4 loses in the playoffs, 3 consecutive district championships, 1 regional tournament, 2 regional quater finals.  If that doesn’t show a winning track record, I don’t know what does.

Eric Steinbrunner- He changed Mercedes from a cellar dweller in 32-4A into a proven commodity.   In only his second year, he guided the Tigers into the playoffs.  He took the basketball program and made them relevant in a football town.  Two years ago he guided the Tigers into the Regional Quarterfinals.  While he is an up and comer, here are some reasons why he could be the front runner.  He left McHi as the Varsity Assistant to take over Mercedes.  He changed around Mercedes and made them a winner, and he’s also McHi graduate.

Regardless of who wins the McHi job, there is going to a lot of work to get this team to where it has been the last three years.  This team doesn’t bolster a roster of height, speed and talent that it did with JJ Avila and company.  Rebuilding will be the name of the game this upcoming season.

Tags: eric steinbrenner, homer garr, mcallen, memorial, mercedes, roma, roy swift, ryan flores