Industrial AD/Football Coach Reassigned
By Beth Foley
Contributing Writer
Industrial ISD has removed Craig Nairn as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach and reassigned him to a different position with the school district.
Reports surfaced late Wednesday morning that the district had reassigned Nairn and that defensive coordinator Alan Fellers had been named interim head coach.
On Thursday morning, Industrial Superintendent Clark Motley confirmed the move in an email to the Jackson County Herald-Tribune.
“The decision was made to reassign Craig Nairn, Industrial ISD’s Athletic Director and Head Football Coach effective October 8,” Motley stated in the email. “This decision was made in the best interest of the district.”
Girls Athletic Coordinator and Head Volleyball Coach Tara Dunn has been named Interim Athletic Director, and Defensive Coordinator and Head Track Coach Alan Fellers has been named Interim Head Football Coach, Motley said.
“Industrial has the utmost confidence in Coach Dunn, Coach Fellers, and the rest of our coaching staff to provide excellent leadership, support and coaching for the athletes of Industrial ISD as we move forward this year,” Motley said. “Permanent replacement postings will occur at a later time.”
Reached by phone on Thursday, Nairn said that he would rather keep the focus on the rest of the season for the team and not be a distraction.
“I’m hoping the best for the team,” Nairn said. “I really have no official comment about my situation, but I hope the best for the team and look forward to seeing them in the playoffs and winning some playoff games.”
Nairn was hired as athletic director and head football coach in March 2022 after serving as the team’s defensive coordinator under previous head coach Jamie Dixon.
During his first season as head coach, the Cobras finished second in district and advanced three rounds deep in the playoffs, finishing with a 10-3 overall and 5-1 district record.
Last season, his second, the Cobras placed third in district and again advanced three rounds into the playoffs, finishing with an 8-4 overall and 4-2 district record.
However, after five games this season, the Cobras are still searching for their first win and are 0-1 in district, with four of the five losses coming to state-ranked teams. Three more ranked teams await in East Bernard (6-0, 2-0), ranked No. 1 in MaxPreps and No. 2 on Dave Campbell’s Texas Football; Rice Consolidated (5-1, 1-1), ranked No. 4 in MaxPreps; and Van Vleck (3-3, 1-1), ranked No. 19 in MaxPreps.
Industrial is set to play at Van Vleck on Friday, then host Rice Consolidated, travel to Boling (1-4, 0-1), host East Bernard, and conclude district at Brazos (3-3, 0-2).