A home‑grown coach returns
Colton Weaver, a former state football champion at Aztec High School, has been named the new head coach of the Tigers, bringing a home‑grown story to a program that has struggled to find consistency in recent years. Weaver played under Brad Hirsch and excelled in both football and baseball before graduating in 2014.
The Tigers have won only once in 18 games over the past two seasons, a stark contrast to the undefeated 2011 campaign that produced the school’s last Class 4A state title. Athletic Director Thomas Riddle announced Weaver’s hiring on the school’s social media page, citing Weaver’s deep connection to the community and his success at Bloomfield High School, where he helped secure three of the last four Class 4A championships.
Weaver’s recent experience includes two seasons as an assistant at Bloomfield under head coach Mike Kovacs, where he contributed to a resurgence that positioned the team for future titles. His appointment follows a period of instability and marks a deliberate effort by the district to restore competitiveness.
The first test for Weaver will be a Week 1 matchup against Bayfield High School, led by Rocky Long, the winningest coach in Mountain West Conference history with 146 victories. Long, who previously coached the University of New Mexico and served as defensive coordinator at Durango High School, brings a storied background to the rivalry.
Aztec will compete in Class 3A this season and has been placed in a district that includes three‑time defending champion St. Michael’s, heightening the challenge for Weaver’s rebuilding effort. The tight preparation window adds urgency to his vision of rapid improvement.
Lauren Laws, the newly appointed full‑time superintendent of the Aztec Municipal School District, emphasized the importance of stable leadership for extracurricular programs as the district supports athletic initiatives. Weaver has spoken publicly about his love for Aztec and his commitment to revitalizing the Tigers.