New Head Coach Jonathan Darby enters a critical offseason as the transition from the Gibson era becomes complete
By P Armstrong | May 22, 2026
Texarkana, Texas — With the final bell ringing on the 2025-2026 school year this week, Pleasant Grove ISD turns its focus to summer — and the Jonathan Darby Era is now fully underway.
After 12 highly successful seasons that produced two state titles and six district championships, Josh Gibson’s championship era has officially ended. Darby, the longtime defensive coordinator and associate athletic director, was promoted in January. While the move brings continuity, this summer marks the true beginning of his leadership.
What’s Ahead This Summer
- Strength & Conditioning — Intense weight room and speed training
- 7-on-7 & Skill Work — Installing schemes and building chemistry
- Team Culture — Darby instilling his leadership and standards
- Talent Development — Maintaining Pleasant Grove’s strong pipeline
Analysis: Continuity vs. High Expectations in a Winning Program
Jonathan Darby faces a unique situation. He’s not an outsider walking into a championship program — he’s been embedded in Pleasant Grove culture for seven years. That familiarity is a major advantage. Players already respect him, systems are largely in place, and the community knows his “student-first” approach.
Yet the pressure is still very real. Replacing a two-time state champion coach like Josh Gibson is never easy, even from within. Fans and boosters have grown accustomed to deep playoff runs and district titles. Anything less than sustained success in 2026 will be scrutinized. The question isn’t whether Darby knows the program — it’s whether he can elevate or at least maintain the elite standard Gibson set.
Because he’s been the defensive coordinator, expect the defense to remain a strength. The bigger unknowns are offensive adjustments and how he handles the added responsibility of also serving as athletic director. This summer is his best opportunity to build personal buy-in and put his own stamp on the Hawks before the lights come on in August.
Will the pressure be huge? Yes — but it may be more manageable than for a coach coming from outside. Darby already understands the expectations and the community. Success this summer in conditioning, scheme installation, and culture-building will go a long way toward easing that pressure and proving he’s the right man to carry the torch.
The Darby era has officially begun. This summer will set the tone for what promises to be a challenging yet exciting 2026 season.
2026 Pleasant Grove Hawks Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 28 | Kilgore | Home | Peanut Butter Bowl |
| September 4 | Sulphur Springs | Away | |
| September 11 | Liberty-Eylau | Home | |
| September 18 | Paris | Home | |
| September 25 | CE Byrd (LA) | Home | Night of Heroes |
| October 2 | BYE | ||
| October 9 | Gilmer | Away | |
| October 16 | Center | Home | Honor Special Athletes Night |
| October 23 | Carthage | Away | |
| October 30 | Spring Hill | Home | |
| November 6 | Pittsburg | Away |
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