Travis Pride, Byron Nelson High School Football Coach Dies Unexpectedly, Leaves Behind a Legacy of Excellence

TROPHY CLUB, TX – The community of Trophy Club and the greater Northwest Independent School District (Northwest ISD) is reeling from the sudden and unexpected death of Byron Nelson High School head football coach Travis Pride. His passing was confirmed by Northwest ISD on Wednesday night, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit school and athletics community.

Coach Travis Pride had served as the head football coach of Byron Nelson High School since 2016. Over the course of nine seasons, he built a reputation as not only a fierce competitor on the field but also a compassionate mentor and role model off of it. Pride compiled a career record of 60-45 during his time with the Bobcats, transforming the team into one of the most competitive programs in the region.

A Coaching Legacy Built on Growth and Excellence

Under Coach Pride’s leadership, Byron Nelson football achieved unprecedented success. Over the past three seasons, the Bobcats compiled a stellar 32-6 record. Each of those years set a new school record for wins in a season — a feat rarely seen in Texas high school football. The Bobcats finished 9-4 in 2021, 11-2 in 2022, and 13-1 in 2023, reaching the regional final for the first time in school history.

Coach Pride’s impact extended far beyond wins and statistics. He was known for his unwavering commitment to building character in his players and creating a culture of excellence, respect, and accountability. As only the second head coach in the school’s history, his imprint on the Byron Nelson football program was both foundational and transformational.

“Coach Pride wasn’t just our coach — he was a father figure, a mentor, and a friend,” said one current student-athlete. “He taught us how to play hard, but also how to be better people. He believed in us, even when we didn’t believe in ourselves.”

Shock and Mourning Across the Community

The sudden nature of Coach Pride’s death has left many in the community in disbelief. Northwest ISD has not released the cause of death or further details surrounding the circumstances. The district has announced that grief counselors and support services will be made available to students, faculty, and staff impacted by this loss.

“Our hearts are heavy as we process the loss of Coach Travis Pride,” said a spokesperson for Northwest ISD. “He was a beloved coach, educator, and leader in our community, and his absence will be deeply felt by students, staff, parents, and fellow coaches across the district.”

The Byron Nelson football program is known not only for its competitive edge on the field but also for the strong sense of brotherhood and community fostered by Pride’s leadership. In the hours following the announcement, social media was flooded with tributes from former players, coaches, and families expressing their heartbreak and sharing memories of how Coach Pride touched their lives.

A Community Honors a Leader

Plans are underway to honor Coach Pride’s legacy in the coming days, with memorials and tributes expected both on campus and at future football games. The Bobcat football stadium, often the site of Friday night lights and roaring crowds, may soon become the site of candlelight vigils and quiet remembrance for a man who gave so much to his team and school.

“Coach Pride gave his heart to Byron Nelson. He believed in building champions, not just on the scoreboard, but in life,” said a parent of a former player. “His legacy will live on in every young man who learned from him, played for him, and was made better because of him.”

Looking Ahead

As the Byron Nelson High School community looks to the future, there is no doubt that the spirit of Coach Travis Pride will continue to guide the team. His dedication to excellence, his emphasis on character, and his relentless pursuit of greatness have become cornerstones of the program.

Though the loss is immense, so too is the impact he leaves behind — not just in trophies and records, but in the lives of the countless students he mentored over the years.

Travis Pride is survived by his family, his players, and a community that will forever remember his passion, leadership, and heart.

More information regarding funeral services and memorial events will be shared as it becomes available. In the meantime, the Byron Nelson and Trophy Club communities remain united in grief and gratitude for a coach whose legacy will never be forgotten.