Rumors had been swirling for some time around New Caney about its head coaching vacancy, and those rumors officially became truth on Wednesday.

Former Galveston Ball head coach Sheldon Bennight is now the man in charge, New Caney ISD announced.

Rumors of Bennight’s hire at New Caney had been swirling since his resignation from Galveston Ball last week and multiple sources had indicated to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football that the naming of Bennight was all but a formality. 

“When the job opened up it was a really attractive opening to look into," Bennight said. "There’s a lot of growth in the area and plenty of potential. I think the set-up on campus and in the athletic facilities is outstanding."

Bennight, who posted a 34-20 record at Ball and led the Golden Tornadoes to the area playoffs a year ago, replaces Mike DeWitt who departed New Caney in February to take over as head coach at Saginaw High in the DFW Metroplex. 

Prior to coming to Ball in 2020, Bennight served as an assistant coach at power programs Galena Park North Shore, Marshall, Dickinson and Copperas Cove, in 2004 Bennight was part of Marshall’s state runner-up staff. 

He takes over a New Caney program that posted double digit wins in 2019 and 2022, but had fallen on hard times in 2024 falling to 1-9 in a deep and talented District 13-6A. 

"It’s a great opportunity," he said. "There’s great support in the administration and community. My No. 1 goal is building those relationships with the kids; it starts and ends there. I want to get to know them, earn their trust and then we can start to implement our vision."

Bennight will start at New Caney on March 17.