BROWNSVILLE - Rivera Early College High School proudly announces the appointment of Coach Johnny Garza as the new athletic coordinator and head football coach. Approved by the school board earlier this month, Coach Garza has already been working on campus for two weeks, engaging with student-athletes and staff in preparation for the upcoming season. With a strong background in coaching and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field, Coach Garza is poised to lead the Raider football program into an exciting new era. The Rivera Raider community looks forward to seeing the program thrive under his leadership and vision.
Background
A seasoned leader with over a decade of coaching experience, Coach Garza served as the Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator for San Benito High School. Garza has held several key roles on the defensive side of the ball, including linebackers and defensive backs coach. He played a vital role in helping lead the Greyhounds to 11 consecutive playoff appearances.
Renowned for developing elite defensive units, Coach Garza has guided his defenses to multiple No. 1 rankings in district 32-6A and an impressive No. 3 statewide scoring defense ranking in 6A. His impact has earned him several honors, including being named a three-time Hispanic Texas High School Football Coaches Association Coach of the Week and the 2022 Valley Nation Defensive Coordinator of the Year.
Beyond the field, Coach Garza was a featured speaker at the inaugural Hispanic TXHSFB Coaches Association Clinic, where he provided insight into defensive philosophy and adaptable scheme variations.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Human and Health Performance from the University of Texas at Brownsville and a master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
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What are your initial impressions of the football team and the facilities here at Rivera High School?
“I’ve been really impressed so far. Our athletes have shown a lot of heart and energy, and you can tell they truly care about the game and about each other. There’s a solid foundation in place, and the senior class has really stepped up as leaders. I’m excited to work with them and help push the program forward. The facilities here are excellent, everything we need to grow and develop as a team is right here. It’s clear the school and community are behind this program, and that kind of support means everything. I’m looking forward to continuing the work and creating opportunities for our athletes to be successful, both on and off the field.”
What are your goals and expectations for the upcoming football season?
“My main goal for this season is to build a strong team culture based on accountability, effort, and unity. Wins are important, of course, but it starts with doing the little things right showing up, working hard, and supporting each other. I expect our players to compete every day in practice, in the classroom, and on game nights. If we focus on the process and stay disciplined, the results will come. We want to be a team that plays with pride, represents Rivera the right way, and keeps improving week by week.”
What values and qualities do you aim to instill in your players on and off the field?
“My goal is to develop not just better football players, but better young men. On the field, I emphasize discipline, effort, teamwork, and resilience. The kind of qualities that lead to success in football and in life. At the end of the day, I want these athletes to leave our program with the confidence, character, and work ethic to be successful wherever life takes them. Whether that’s in college, a career, or their community.” M1P2 – Man 1st Player 2nd
What excites you the most about the current roster of players?
“What excites me the most is the potential I see, not just in terms of talent, but in attitude. This group is hungry to learn, willing to work, and open to being coached. There’s a strong core of players, especially in the senior class, who are stepping up as leaders and setting the tone for the team. If we keep building trust and putting in the work, I think we can surprise some people this season.”
What do you hope to accomplish in your first year as head coach?
“In my first year, my biggest goal is to establish a strong culture, one built on accountability, discipline, and effort. I want our players to buy into doing things the right way, every day, on and off the field. We want to be competitive and win games, but more importantly, I want to lay the foundation for long-term success. That means building trust, setting clear expectations, and creating a team identity that players, parents, and the community can be proud of.”
Is there a message you’d like to share with the school community and fans as we look forward to the season?
“I want to thank the entire Rivera community and our fans for their ongoing support, it truly means everything to our players and coaching staff. This season, we’re building something special together, and we invite everyone to be a part of that journey. Our team is committed to working hard, representing Rivera with pride, and giving their best every time they step on the field. We’re not just playing for ourselves, but for the whole school and community.”
What are you looking forward to the most in your first Friday night game as head coach for the Raiders, under the lights at Sams Memorial Stadium?
“What I’m most looking forward to is seeing the energy and passion of our players and fans come alive. I’m excited to watch our guys compete, to see their hard work pay off, and to experience that special connection between the team and the supporters. It’s about more than just football; it’s about building memories and pride that last a lifetime.”
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Our Week 1 non-district road season opener against the La Joya Coyotes is slated for August 29. Before that, we’ll gear up with scrimmages against Mercedes and Hanna in the two weeks leading up to the start of the regular season.
District 15-5A Division I action begins on September 12, when your Raiders travel to the Coastal Bend to take on Corpus Christi Veterans.
