Celina Head Football Coach Bill Elliott Retires Following Conclusion of Investigation into Son’s Conduct
Celina High School head football coach and athletic director Bill Elliott has announced his retirement. The decision comes immediately following the release of findings from an independent investigation into his son, former middle school coach Caleb Elliott, who faces federal charges for sexually exploiting students.
Bill Elliott had been on paid, non-disciplinary leave since late October 2025. His leave was initiated to avoid a conflict of interest while the district investigated allegations surrounding Caleb Elliott, who was accused of secretly recording students in the locker room at Moore Middle School.
Investigation Clears Staff of Prior Knowledge
On Tuesday, the Celina Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees reviewed the results of a third-party investigation conducted by attorney Giana Ortiz. The inquiry, which involved interviews with 39 witnesses, concluded there was no evidence that Bill Elliott or any other district employee had prior knowledge of Caleb Elliott’s alleged misconduct.
According to a district statement, the investigation found “no evidence to substantiate knowledge of any District employee” regarding Caleb Elliott’s actions before his arrest. Furthermore, the report disputed allegations made in civil lawsuits that Caleb Elliott had been transferred to the middle school following an improper relationship with a high school student in 2022, stating investigators found no evidence to support that claim.
Background on the Scandal
The controversy began in October 2025 when William “Caleb” Elliott, 26, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of invasive visual recording and possession of child pornography. Investigators identified 39 victims, alleging the former coach recorded male students in various stages of undress in the middle school locker room. Caleb Elliott resigned and surrendered his teaching license shortly after his arrest. He currently faces federal charges of sexual exploitation of children.
Bill Elliott, a celebrated figure in Texas high school football, led the Celina Bobcats to a Class 4A Division I state championship in 2024 with a perfect 16-0 record. His sudden placement on leave mid-season in 2025 shocked the community, occurring while the team was undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the state.
Community Outcry and Civil Litigation
Despite the district’s report clearing staff of wrongdoing, the fallout has resulted in significant community unrest and legal challenges. Several families of the victims have filed civil lawsuits against Celina ISD and Bill Elliott. These suits allege negligence, claiming that district officials—including Bill Elliott—were aware of “red flags” regarding Caleb Elliott’s behavior and failed to protect students.
Parents expressed frustration at a school board meeting this week, with some demanding greater accountability. “It has been 108 days since 38 families got the call,” one parent stated, criticizing the district’s handling of the crisis. Attorneys representing the families have argued that the internal culture prioritized the football program’s reputation over student safety, an assertion the district vehemently denies.
Celina ISD officials have stated they plan to release a redacted version of the full investigative report to the public later this week to comply with state transparency laws while protecting student privacy.
