DeSoto is poised to appoint Nicke Smith, the longtime head coach of the Kimball boys basketball program, as its next head coach, a move that still requires school board approval.
A Proven Legacy
Smith brings a distinguished record, having guided Kimball to nine state championships and amassing more than 400 career victories over a decade of leadership.
The 2023‑24 season culminated in a 23‑11 record and a 62‑42 triumph over Almeta Crawford in the 4A Division I title game, delivering the ninth championship for the program.
Smith's influence extends beyond the court, with more than 25 of his players advancing to college basketball, including eight at the Division I level.
The hiring follows the resignation of Robert Wright, who stepped down as DeSoto's head coach last month, leaving the program without a coach for three straight seasons after its last state tournament appearance in 2023.
DeSoto's recent playoff drought, now three years running, makes Smith's arrival a focal point for a community eager to restore competitive momentum.
The position is regarded as one of the premier coaching jobs in Texas high school basketball, and the board's endorsement is widely anticipated.