Liberal High Coach Trevor Powers Leaving After One Season

Trevor Powers told the Liberal High School football team on Tuesday morning, January 6, that he will depart after one season as Redskin coach to accept a position with a powerhouse program in Oklahoma. Powers will remain at Liberal for the spring semester and will continue coaching the school's powerlifting team, providing some continuity during a midyear transition.

Powers guided the Redskins to a 7-3 record in 2025, marking the program's third straight winning season following an 8-2 campaign in 2023 and a 7-3 finish in 2024. The timing of his exit follows a strong run that has raised local expectations for continued competitiveness in regional play. For players, parents and program supporters, the immediate concerns will center on leadership for spring practices, offseason strength and conditioning, and the critical recruiting contacts that shape the 2026 roster.

Roster analysis points to both challenges and reasons for optimism. Offensively, Liberal will graduate two starting offensive linemen, the school's second all-time leading receiver, and the top two running backs. Still, the team returns three starting offensive linemen, its top two quarterbacks, the remainder of the receiving corps, and three of the top five running backs. Defensively, the Redskins lose one of four starting linebackers and their starting free safety, while returning the starting defensive line, three of four starting linebackers, both cornerbacks, and the starting strong safety. Those returns suggest the program retains core talent even as it searches for new leadership.

Powers arrives at Liberal after an eight-season tenure at Hooker, where he compiled an 80-23 record and a 16-7 playoff mark. His Hooker teams won multiple district titles and reached back-to-back state championship games in 2023 and 2024, finishing as state runners-up both years. That track record likely contributed to his appeal for the Oklahoma job and explains the swift vacancy at Liberal.

For the community, the coaching change carries economic and social implications. Local support, fundraising and Friday-night attendance often hinge on program stability and winning tradition. With Powers staying through the semester and continuing to coach powerlifting, the school gains a limited window to organize a search while preserving spring training continuity. Athletic department decisions in the coming weeks will determine whether Liberal sustains its upward trajectory or faces a rebuilding period ahead of the 2026 season.