A Foundation Built on over 100 years of Coaching Excellence
A little bit about Coach Criss
Anthony Criss has been involved in Education since 1986, A graduate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High in Fort Worth, Texas, Anthony spent 3 years at the University of Texas at Austin before graduating from the University of North Texas located in Denton, Texas. Anthony started his coaching career by working under his Dad n 1986 at Fort Worth O.D.Wyatt High School. After 12 seasons as an assistant, he took over as Head Coach at Wyatt following in his legendary Father’s footsteps.
On January 1st, 2000, Anthony became the first African American head Football Coach/ Athletic Coordinator in the history of the Arlington Independent School District at James Bowie High School. During his tenure at Bowie the school was able to win 5 State Titles (Boys Track, Girls Basketball, Back-to-Back Girls Doubles in Tennis and the first Mixed Doubles Championship). In 2006, he was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director in AISD, where he served as the recruiting coordinator for athletics. In 2011 he returned to the gridiron at Arlington Sam Houston High School, in 2014, he led the Texans to the playoffs for the first time in 11 seasons. Criss stepped down in December 2021 ending his career in the athletic arena.
Anthony has been married to the beautiful Patra Criss for 36 years, they have four beautiful children (Julian, Dominique, Linier and Quinnin) and 2 grandchildren (Jayla and Chloe). Anthony has been in the ministry for 35 years as an ordained Baptist Preacher. Also, he was just named the 2022 Grant Teaff Coaching Beyond the Game winner for the Texas High School Coaches Association and The Transformational Coach of The Year for The Arlington ISD.
Criss belongs to The Texas High School Coaches Association, Certified Athletic Administrator, North Texas Football Coaches Association and The American Football coach’s association.
What can Coach Criss do for you?
Athletic Program Evaluator. The Athletic Departments are the heart of the Sports Programs. Ensuring that you invest in your staff and the students you serve is extremely important to ensure a successful program. Let me help you strategically plan and organize with your team, from hiring staff members, to a program audit, to consulting on any number of needs. I am available to contract as interim program director as needed.
Coach Professional Development. I have a passion for mentoring and training the next generation of coaches and support staff to tackle problems and success with creativity and innovation. I can also manage and lead your Program Director/Coach search strategy, provide executive recruiting support, develop mentor coaching program, and leadership training.
Speaker & Convocations. I have been recognized in every arena as a Program Director and Coach. My work ethic and CRISS legacy have not gone unnoticed. I enjoy sharing my strategies, views, and philosophy to those who want to grow in the sports industry. I have experience in keynoting, speaking at convocations, guest panelist, and reviewer. I would be delighted to attend your event as a speaker. My speaking topics include the following:
Student Athlete Recruiter Advisor. I provide student athlete advising to a limited amount of students who are serious about playing at the college level and the NFL. I have helped over 200 students earn scholarships and draft picks for the NFL. Start the work NOW.
Let's get back to the key fundamentals of the Game
Coach Criss will deliver exactly what your program, students, or training facility need to progress for the next 10 years, the CRISS Legacy continues.
