Miners on the Sidelines
A wave of former University of Texas at El Paso football players has taken up coaching positions across the city's high schools, bringing their collegiate experience to the sidelines of local programs.
Josh Caldwell, who earned his defensive back credentials at UTEP from 2018 to 2021, now serves as co‑defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Chapin High School. Nathan McCage, an offensive line standout from 2009 to 2011, guides the line at Eastwood High School. Ariel Famaligi, a starting left tackle from 1998 to 2002, leads the football program at Bel Air High School as head coach.
Nathan Jeffery, a running back who contributed from 2010 to 2014, has taken on the role of offensive coordinator at Coronado High School, while Jerel Watkins, who played left guard and left tackle from 2010 to 2015, now oversees the offensive line and coordinates the attack at Parkland High School. Leigh McWhorter, a wide receiver from 1995 to 1998, also serves as head coach at Parkland, adding a dual leadership presence.
Julian Lopez, a tight end and fullback who completed his eligibility in 2024, assists the offensive line at Chapin High School, and Julio Lopez, a former wide receiver from 2009 to 2011, heads the football program at Eastwood High School. Mike Pry, an offensive line veteran from 1995 to 1998, directs the program at Coronado High School, and Jose Horner, who swung between defensive line, offensive line and tight end from 2000 to 2004, coordinates the defense at Parkland.
Treyvon Hughes, a running back from 2015 to 2019, shapes the receiving corps as wide receivers coach at Chapin, while Paulo Melendez, a center from 2010 to 2014, supports the offensive line at Eastlake High School. Their transitions reflect a broader pattern of Miners alumni staying rooted in El Paso, leveraging their UTEP education and playing experience to mentor younger athletes.
The phenomenon is set against the backdrop of the University of Texas at El Paso’s football history, which has produced coaches such as Sean Kugler, Dana Dimel, Mike Price and Charlie Bailey, whose former players now echo their mentorship in the community.