Marlin ISD announces the departure of Marlin High Football Coach Ruben Torres

Marlin Independent School District is announcing the departure of Marlin High School Head Football Coach Ruben Torres who has accepted a position on staff at Naaman Forest High School in Garland ISD. 

Coach Torres has been an integral part of Marlin ISD's athletics department, where his leadership has brought unparalleled success and recognition to our football program, most notably leading the Bulldogs to a Final Four (state semi-final) play-off appearance in 2021.

During his tenure at Marlin, Coach Torres racked up a list of accolades, to include the 2A Division 1 District Championship this past season, which was the first time the Bulldogs earned the district title in 19 years. The play-off run led to a regional final appearance, his second in three years. In 2021, a standout year, Torres guided Marlin to an impressive state semi-final appearance, a pinnacle of achievement that rallied the community.The Bulldogs were Bi-District Champions every year of his three-year stint.  

His leadership garnered him several honors and awards, including the District 8-2A Coach of the Year (2023), the Gordon Wood Award (2021), the Jim Tucker Award (2021), Dave Campbell’s 2A Division 1 Coach of the Year (2021), Padilla Poll Coach of the Year (2021), and was twice named Dave Campbell's 2A Coach of the Week (2021, 2023).

"Coach Torres’s passion, dedication, and the legacy of success he leaves behind have not only elevated Marlin ISD's athletics but have also inspired our students and community,” Superintendent Dr. Darryl Henson said. “While it's difficult to see him go, we are immensely proud of what he has achieved and wish him the very best in his new role. His impact here will be felt for many years to come."

Before joining Marlin ISD, Torres served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at El Paso Franklin High School, where he helped the team reach the playoffs in each of his three seasons. Prior to Franklin, Coach Torres was the head football coach and athletic coordinator at El Paso El Dorado High School and El Paso Ysleta High School.

In addition to football, Coach Torres led the Marlin High School basketball team to an 11-1 District and Bi-District Championship as head basketball coach in 2022 and achieved a District and Area Championship title, Regional runner-up finish, and Third Place at the Texas UIL state meet as the head boys track coach.

In addition to his coaching achievements, Coach Torres has made significant contributions to the broader athletic community through his roles as a speaker and educator. He has shared his insights and expertise at several notable forums, including the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA), the Hispanic Texas High School Football Coaches Association Clinic, the El Paso Football Clinic, and the Hill Country Football Clinic.

"Marlin ISD deeply appreciates Coach Torres's dedication, passion, and the indelible mark he has left on our students, the athletics department, and the Marlin community at large," Henson said. "While his departure is a significant loss, we are excited for the new chapter he embarks on at Naaman Forest High School and are confident in his continued success. We extend our heartfelt best wishes to Coach Torres in his new role and eagerly anticipate celebrating his future achievements."