Mesquite Horn has its new head football coach.

On Monday evening, DCTF’s Matt Stepp first reported that Mesquite ISD has named Newman Smith head coach Robert Boone as the new head coach of the Jaguars.

Boone replaces Vernon Hughes, who left Horn for Converse Judson after just one season at the helm. Boone becomes the fourth head coach for the program across the last six seasons.

Mike Overton, the Mesquite ISD’s all-time leader in wins, retired following the 2019 season. Replacing him has been a challenge for Horn.

Hughes was just 2-8 in his lone season with the Jaguars, but is considered a rising star in high school football coaching circles. Prior to taking the job at Horn, he had a highly successful stint as head coach at Pflugerville Weiss, finishing 17-5 in two years while securing a playoff berth in each.

He was hired at Horn last spring, but took over a program that played in arguably the deepest district in all of Texas high school football. Last year, their pod included 6A Division I state quarterfinalist Waxahachie, 6A-I state runner-up Duncanville, and 6A Division II state champion DeSoto.

Each finished ranked among the top 10 teams in the final Rivals Composite High School Football Team Rankings for Texas. And Horn’s three losses to them came by a combined score of 153-63.

For Boone, the good news is that the Jaguars will no longer share a district assignment with Duncanville, Waxahachie and DeSoto after the UIL put them into District 10 for the 2026-2028 seasons. He comes from a Newman Smith program that went 6-5 in 2025.

More about Horn High School

“Horn High School, located in Mesquite, Texas, is a well-regarded public school known for its strong academics, competitive athletics, and active extracurricular programs. Offering a variety of AP and honors courses, the school prepares students for higher education and future careers. Horn’s athletic teams are successful, frequently achieving regional and state recognition. Emphasizing leadership, community involvement, and personal growth, the school ensures students are well-rounded and ready for future challenges.”

For Texas high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across Texas.

Rivals’ Keegan Pope contributed to this story.