Jan. 19, 2022 – Salvador “Sal” Tellez has been named head football coach and boys coordinator at Lanier High School.
Tellez has served as an offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, and assistant coach for the Lanier Voks since 2013. He was part of the coaching staff that won back-to-back district football championships in 2020 and 2021.
“My goal is to not skip a beat,” said Tellez. “We are in the offseason right now. We will continue working in order to win another district championship. We met our goal this year by making it to the second round of the playoffs. Our goal is to make it to the third round of the playoffs next year.”
Tellez will replace Don Gatian, who retired as the Voks head football coach after 24 years and 12 playoff appearances.
“I want to thank Coach Gatian for believing in me,” said Tellez, a 2001 graduate of Lanier High School who starred as wide receiver, quarterback, and safety on the team. “I played for Coach Gatian and then got to work under him as an assistant coach. I am super excited to continue the winning tradition in the 78207. It’s a blessing. We do not have to start from scratch. Since I have been here, I have built relationships with parents, student-athletes, administrators, and community members. I am at home, and this is where I want to be. Our kids deserve the best, and that is what they are getting.”
Tellez’s plan is to emphasize a run-first offense and an attacking defense. Lanier will compete in District 13-5A-I. Other high schools include Brackenridge, Burbank, Edison, Highlands, Sam Houston, Jefferson, Kennedy and Memorial.
Prior to becoming a football coach at Lanier, Tellez worked four years as a coach and teacher at Rhodes Middle School.
"Coach Tellez is a Lanier Vok from the ground up,” said Todd Howey, SAISD senior executive director of Athletics. “We look forward to Sal bringing his love of the community and passion for excellence to the role of boys athletic coordinator and head football coach. He is a perfect fit and very deserving of this opportunity."