At a Glance
- Bill Elliott, Celina ISD athletic director and head football coach, announced his retirement after 33 years with the district
- His son Caleb Elliott, 26, faces state and federal charges including child pornography and invasive visual recording
- Multiple Celina ISD employees have been placed on leave, arrested, or resigned since October
- The Texas Education Agency has launched an investigation into the district
- Why it matters: Parents questioned how Bill Elliott could continue coaching after hiring and managing his son accused of heinous crimes
Celina ISD Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Bill Elliott announced his retirement Wednesday following more than three decades with the district, as his son faces serious criminal charges related to recording minors.
Retirement Announcement
Elliott informed district officials of his decision after 33 years of service, according to Celina ISD. In his notification to the district, Elliott reflected on his long tenure.
“Over the past 33 years, I have been blessed with the opportunity to create lasting memories and build meaningful relationships that I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” Elliott said. “I am deeply grateful to Celina ISD for the support and trust extended to me throughout my career, and I wish the district continued success in all its future endeavors.”
The district released a statement Wednesday thanking Elliott for his service and leadership during his tenure.
Son’s Legal Troubles
Elliott’s retirement comes amid an investigation into his son Caleb Elliott, a former football coach at Moore Middle School.
Caleb Elliott faces serious charges including:
- Invasive visual recording
- Possession and promotion of child pornography
- Sexual performance of a child
Police say Elliott recorded boys inside a school locker room and coerced one boy to perform jumping jacks naked to retrieve his belongings.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct. 3 | Caleb Elliott arrested and charged with possession or promotion of child pornography and invasive visual recording |
| Nov. 6 | Elliott arrested again based on witness accounts from middle school locker room |
| Current | Elliott remains in jail, indicted on eight federal charges of sexual exploitation of children |
District Under Scrutiny
Since October, multiple Celina ISD employees have faced consequences:
- Placed on leave
- Arrested
- Resigned from positions
The Texas Education Agency has launched an investigation into the Celina Independent School District after the recent arrests.
During a special board meeting to review a third-party investigation into Caleb Elliott’s conduct, parents expressed frustration about Bill Elliott’s continued employment.
“How can you expect 38 young men to go to school next year and be coached by the man who hired, managed, probably twice bailed out, and sheltered the person responsible for these heinous crimes? How can you put them in that position?” one mother asked.
Investigation Status
Bill Elliott was placed on paid leave pending the findings of the third-party investigation.
Caleb Elliott’s case has been forwarded to:
- The Collin County District Attorney’s Office
- Federal prosecutors
Both agencies are conducting their own investigations. He has been indicted on eight federal charges of sexual exploitation of children.
Key Takeaways
- Bill Elliott’s retirement ends his 33-year career with Celina ISD
- His son faces multiple state and federal charges related to recording minors
- The district faces scrutiny from parents and a state investigation
- Multiple employees have faced consequences since October
- The case highlights concerns about oversight and accountability in school districts
