Lee Hays is an American football coach who is currently the head coach at Sul Ross State University, a position he has held since the 2025 season.
Playing career Hays spent two years at Cisco Junior College before transferring to Abilene Christian University for the 1991 season, playing as a defensive end and linebacker at both schools. After a year at Abilene Christian, Hays joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Hays returned to college in 1996 at the age of 29 as a walk-on tight end for Texas A&M–Kingsville, where he also received his Bachelor's degree.
Coaching career Sul Ross Hays was announced as the new head coach for the Sul Ross Lobos on February 12, 2025, two months after previous coach Barry Derickson announced he would be stepping down.
In Hays's first season at Sul Ross, the Lobos finished the season going 0–11. This was also the third and final season of a transition period from Division III to Division II for the program. As a provisional Division II member, the Lobos were ineligible for the NCAA Division II playoffs, but were eligible for regular conference awards, the Heritage Bowl, and the regular season conference title.
Hays would get his first win as the Lobos' head coach in the second game of the 2026 season, defeating Adams State 53–26; the win also snapped a 14 game losing streak for the program.
Head coaching record
References
External links Sul Ross State profile