Liberal’s newly hired football coach has stepped down from the position. Joel Baker was named head football coach on February 26 but backed out from the position Monday night. Baker has been working at Liberal High School and has been coaching track and field at LHS. Baker had been an assistant coach in Hobbs, New Mexico before coming to Liberal for the past several weeks. Baker has coached most of his career in Texas. He turned around Baird, Texas from a 1-10 team to a state champion ins Class A Texas. He also coached a Borger, Pampa, Odessa Permian, and McMurry University. Baker was set to step in for Trevor Powers. Powers came over from Hooker to be head coach and led the Redskins to a 7-3 record last season. But Powers told the LHS team January 6 he was leaving for a head coaching position in Clinton, Oklahoma. Powers replaced Bryan Luetters who was head coach from 2022-2024 going 8-2 in 2023 which was Liberal’s best record since Gary Cornelsen’s 9-2 team in 2003. Luetters followed that up with a 7-3 season in 2024 before Powers stepped in to go 7-3 in 2025.
Here is a statement from Joel Baker:
Statement from Coach Baker
“Circumstances beyond my control have have forced me to resign as Head Football Coach in Liberal and return to Texas.
From day one in Liberal I said our focus would be Faith, Family and Football. With this decision I am putting my family’s needs at the forefront.
I am disappointed that I will not have the opportunity to see results of all the hard work that has been put in over the last couple of months. I know there’s a strong foundation built on work ethic and tenacity that will lead the Redskins to success in the coming season.”
I am thankful for my time in Liberal and wish the Redskins all the best in the coming season.“
USD 480 sent out this statement regarding the vacant head coaching spot.
“USD 480 and Liberal High School respects Mr. Baker’s decision to do what is best for he and his family and we wish him the best. The search for the next LHS football coach will begin immediately.”
The next coach will be the 20th head coach since World War 2 for a program which has won five state championships with five runner up seasons.
On offense LHS loses two starting offensive linemen, the school’s 2nd all time leading receiver, and their top two running backs. But they return three starting offensive linemen, the rest of the receiving corps, and three of their top five running backs. On defense LHS graduates one of their four starting linebackers and their starting free safety. But the Skins return their starting defensive line, three of their four starting linebackers, both corners, and their starting strong safety.