TEXARKANA, Ark. -- Arkansas High named its next head football coach and Athletic Director Tuesday night.
William 'Trey' Outlaw, who helped lead Class 6A El Dorado High School make deep runs in postseason play the past three seasons, including a state championship in 2021, as an assistant head coach and defensive coordinator, will lead the Razorback program going forward.
Former head coach and Athletic Director Barry Norton announced in late April that he would resign.
"We look forward to welcoming Coach Outlaw to the Razorback Family," TASD Superintendent Dr. Becky Kesler said in a release. "His energy and drive, along with his experience and background, will lead our program to the next level."
Prior to coaching at El Dorado, Outlaw served as the Athletic Director and head football coach at Bearden High School and Defensive Coordinator duties in Wynne, Arkansas, and Gosnell, Arkansas. He also served as the Assistant Varsity Football Coach in Brookland, Arkansas, and Barton, Arkansas.
He expects to join the school Monday, May 23 and get in some spring football prior to the summer break.
"Arkansas High has a strong history and notoriety for being one of the top high school programs in the state," Outlaw said. "Whenever the job opened up, and you get the opportunity to lead one of the powerhouse programs in the state, you jump on it.
"We want to get in and meet the kids, make sure we hire great coaches, who are going to love on our kids and teach them how to be better men and awesome football players, and the goal is to be the best. The goal is to be the flagship for 5A football in Arkansas and build a program that competes on a state-wide level year in and year out."
Outlaw received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Master of Science in Educational Leadership, and Education Specialist Degree in District Level Leadership from Arkansas State University.
"Successful academic performance is the key ingredient to sustaining a championship level program," Outlaw said. "All athletes are students first, and graduating high school is the top priority above any other achievement for our athletes."
Outlaw replaces Norton, who coached Arkansas High for the past five seasons, leading the Razorbacks to two conference championships, an undefeated regular season and a 5-4 playoff record. Norton advanced to the postseason all but one year during his tenure at Arkansas High.
Prior to taking over and rejuvenating the Razorback program, Norton held the same positions at Texas High for 18 years. He compiled a career record of 184-74-1 during his 23 seasons as head coach, winning the Class 4A, Division I state title with the Tigers.
"I've enjoyed my five years here. Dr. (Becky) Kesler and the school board have been fabulous, and I certainly appreciate them for the opportunity to coach here," Norton told the Gazette in April. "I just think it's the right time to give someone else a shot at it."