Behind the scenes of the San Antonio Toros Head coaching search
The San Antonio Toros are part of the Continental Football League (CoFL) and have officially hired Ronnie Vinklarek as their first head coach. With over 43 years of coaching experience spanning junior high, high school, college, the CFL, XFL, and NFL, Vinklarek is the ideal candidate to lead the Toros as they revive a storied name in Texas football. In this article, we will share some behind-the-scenes insights into the team’s search process and update the fans on other coaches the team interviewed
Each coaching candidate brought unique strengths to the table. Still, Vinklarek’s blend of organizational prowess, motivational speaking skills, and understanding of NFL and CFL rules made him the perfect fit for a startup team navigating the league’s “continental shift” and upcoming season.
Coach Vinklarek
Vinklarek, a Flatonia, Texas native, has had a remarkable career as a coach at every level of the game. His most recent roles include serving as offensive line coach at Texas A&M Commerce (2022-23) and the New York Guardians of the XFL (2020-21). Earlier highlights include stints with the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans in the NFL, where he contributed to the league’s top-ranked defense in 2000-01, and with CFL teams such as the Edmonton Eskimos and Birmingham Barracudas. At the college level, he helped develop talent at Rice University, SMU, and the University of Houston during Andre Ware’s Heisman Trophy-winning 1989 season.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Vinklarek is renowned as a motivational speaker, drawing from his personal story of resilience. Overcoming the tragic loss of his father at a young age and his mother’s at a young age, as well as a severe car accident at 13 that left him with a lifelong leg injury requiring 23 surgeries, Vinklarek raised his four younger brothers while pursuing his coaching dreams. His themes of “Hidden Strength,” “Silent Work,” and “The Champions Chain of Success” have inspired audiences. Coach Vinklarek and his inspirational story of success for himself and his family have been featured on programs such as ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” and the Oprah Winfrey Show, and in outlets including the Houston Chronicle and the Dallas Morning News. “My why is to develop emotional mastery to discover inner strength when facing challenges,” Vinklarek has said, emphasizing a philosophy that replaces “problems” with “challenges” and focuses on discipline, attitude, and purpose.
The Search Art Briles
The Toros’ ownership group, led by Managing Partner and Team President Joshua Mair, conducted an extensive interview process starting in October 2025, evaluating candidates who each embodied excellence and community spirit. One coach the team interviewed needs little to no introduction.
Legendary coach Art Briles, spoken with on November 2, brought unparalleled experience as an offensive innovator. With a storied career including high school state championships, a Conference USA title at the University of Houston, and two Big 12 championships at Baylor—where he coached Heisman winner Robert Griffin III—Briles was the most seasoned option but also came with his fair share of concerns for the team.
Coach Briles’ coaching track record and longevity have demonstrated his enduring impact on the game. While some may express concerns about Briles’ role in questionable activities that occurred while he was the head coach in Waco, the Toros were open to offering him an opportunity, especially since a court ruled he was not at fault for those activities.
The Briles name would have made a big splash not only for the Tors but for the COFL as a whole. Ultimately, Briles decided to pursue another coaching opportunity, and the Toros respected his decision to pursue another opportunity and are thrilled he found a fitting landing spot, viewing him as a potential game-changer who can elevate any team.
Jesse Thompson
If you followed the San Antonio Brahmas, the next name will be familiar. Jesse Thompson, interviewed on November 4, stood out for his strong ties to San Antonio football. As a former special teams coordinator and running backs coach for the San Antonio Brahmas in the United Football League (UFL), Thompson helped develop All-UFL talent, including rusher Jashuan Corbin and punter Brad Wing.
With over 25 years of experience across professional, college, high school, and European leagues—including leading Hungary’s Fehervar Enthroners to a 10-0 record—Thompson’s great attitude, love for the city, and proven capability in player development made him a fan-favorite candidate. His history in the XFL, Spring League, and FCS programs, including Idaho State and Portland State, highlights his versatility and success in building winning teams. Fans hope to see Coach Thompson join the Toros coaching staff if Coach Vinklarek brings him on board.
Why Coach Vinklarek
Ultimately, Vinklarek’s interview on November 24 sealed the deal. As a Texas native with extensive CFL experience, he was seen as uniquely equipped to guide the Toros through the CoFL’s international flavor and summer timeline. Ownership praised him as a “great organizer and master of coach speech,” noting his ability to inspire and structure a new program from the ground up. Vinklarek even attended the team’s tryouts on November 30, where he was impressed by the organization’s energy and vision. “Coach Vinklarek chose the Toros as much as the Toros chose him,” said a team President, Joshua Mair, underscoring the mutual excitement.
San Antonio Toros
For a franchise honoring the legacy of the original San Antonio Toros—who thrilled fans in the 1960s and ’70s with championships in the Texas Football League, Trans-American Football League, and a dramatic overtime appearance in the 1969 CoFL final—Vinklarek represents a bridge between tradition and innovation. His focus on player development, community involvement, and overcoming adversity aligns seamlessly with the Toros’ guiding values of integrity, regional pride, and fan ownership.
“I’m honored to lead the San Antonio Toros and build on this city’s rich football heritage,” Vinklarek said in a statement. “Together, we’ll face every challenge with discipline, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence—on and off the field.”
Conclusion
The Toros are set to kick off their inaugural CoFL season in summer 2026. With Vinklarek at the helm, the team is poised to charge forward, blending veteran wisdom with fresh energy to captivate South Texas fans once again. Stay tuned for roster announcements and training camp details as the Toros gear up for a new era.
(Article edited 12-19-2025)