Conroe High School’s Kendall Hineman has been selected as the new athletic director and head football coach for Caney Creek.

Hineman is currently the assistant head coach and in charge of Conroe’s running game.  He is operating as the interim head coach until the next Conroe ISD Board of Trustees meeting where the position will become official.

“The move was an easy decision,” Hineman said in an email. “I have always heard how wonderful the students and staff were here at Caney Creek. I feel like it is going to be a perfect fit.”

The move comes after former AD Ned Barrier left for personal reasons at the beginning of June after only one year in the job. Barrier took the head coaching job at Hardin High School, which does not include the athletic director position.

Hineman views his new role from a leadership perspective.

“I want to be a great listener, motivator and mentor,” he said. “I will bring energy every single day and make the Panther experience one to remember. We will celebrate all teams and their accomplishments.”

It will be a couple of weeks until Hineman works with the players and coaches in person. Conroe ISD and other surrounding districts have cancelled summer practices until July 13 due to a recent rise in COVID-19 spread in the county. However, he said he would be calling players to introduce himself.

“First thing (to improve performance of the team) – we are gonna have to have fun at what we do,” he said. “You must enjoy the game and embrace the grind. When that becomes the norm, success will come.”

Hineman won’t be the only change for the team. UIL had its biannual realignment in the spring, which resulted in a major shuffling of school opponents for football 5A Division I, District 8.

The new district includes Cleveland, College Station, Lufkin, Magnolia, Magnolia West, New Caney, Porter and Waller. Tomball, Grand Oaks and Willis moved to 6A.