Highland Park's Randy Allen To Return After Rethinking Retirement

DALLAS, TX — Highland Park's famed head football coach Randy Allen announced Tuesday he will be foregoing retirement to coach another season for The Scots.

Going into his 20th year of coaching, Allen, who has coached The Scots to three state football championships, boasts a 223-28 win-loss record — a demarcation that makes him the winningest coach in Highland Park history.

In a statement, Allen said his love for coaching is led his return to the sidelines.

"I simply didn't realize how much I would miss these players and coaches," Allen said. "My true calling in life is to help guide young men to success. I love coaching at Highland Park and making a positive impact on the lives of our players. During the last few weeks, I have been so thankful for the outpouring of love and appreciation from so many former players, coaches, the community and the administration. It has all helped me realize that being on the Scots sideline is where I belong."

Allen, with a total record of 376-87-6 compiled over 43 years, is ranked the state's No. 4 winningest high school football coach. Highland Park's athletic director Johnny Ringo cited Allen's impact on the school's students in welcoming him back to the team.

"It goes without saying that we are thrilled that Coach Allen will continue to serve as Head Football Coach/Boys Athletic Coordinator in HPISD," Ringo said. "Coach Allen's true purpose and passion has always been for the young men he has had the honor to coach. His tremendous impact on these players allowed them to be winners both on and off the field and, most importantly, in life. We look forward to a great 2018 season and look forward to Coach Allen leading the Scots for years to come."

Allen has been honored with several prestigious coaching awards, including the Don Shula NFL National Coach of the Year, Dallas Morning News Coach of the Year, Sports Writers 5A Coach of the Year, Padilla Poll 5A Div. 1 Coach of the Year and NFF Gridiron Coach of the Year, all in 2016. In 2017, he received the SMU Distinguished Alumni Award.

Allen announced his retirement in a press conference in March.

Image via Highland Park ISD, used with permission