There’s a new face leading the Cordell Blue Devils onto the field this fall, but he’s no stranger to football or rural communities. Cordell High School’s new head football coach, Nick Bobeck, is bringing a resume stacked with experience, championships, and a heart for small-town life. With a strong coaching philosophy and a deep-rooted passion for shaping young lives, Bobeck is already making waves with Cordell’s Blue Devils.
“I grew up in Beaver, Oklahoma,” Bobeck said. “So I know what small-town living is about. Coaching is coaching, no matter the level. It’s about trust, relationships, and serving kids.”
And he’s done a whole lot of coaching. Bobeck’s career began as a graduate assistant at the University of Central Oklahoma from 2003 to 2005, followed by a rapid rise through the ranks: coaching stints at Navarro College and Texas A&M, a national championship title in 2010, and nearly a decade at the helm of UCO’s football program. However, after resigning in 2021 and briefly stepping into the business world in Kansas City, Bobeck realized something was missing.
“Although we had a successful run in the business, I missed working with young people and coaching. We also missed being close to family. We often visited Cordell to see my wife’s sister and her husband. We prayed through the decision of moving here long before we knew the football position was open,” he said. “Faith and family led us to Cordell.”
Now, Bobeck is wearing many hats as head football coach, athletic director, teacher, and community member. His wife and three kids are also in, joining the school system and becoming familiar faces around town. And if you haven’t seen him yet, don’t worry, you will.
“I will be extremely involved with the school as both a teacher and the athletic director,” Bobeck promised. “Community is at the heart of every school. Being involved and active in the community is very important to my family. Dale Selman has helped in getting me and some of the students connected with local business owners.”
Off the field, Coach Bobeck’s philosophy is grounded in three pillars: trust, character, and effort. Words you’ll hear echoed throughout the locker room, practice field, and probably the school hallways, too.
“Trust is the first thing. The students have to believe that we are there to serve them. There has been so much turnover in the program many of the students have lost trust. Beyond trust, it is consistency. Success is a lagging indicator of consistency. Day after day, trusting the process of improvement.”
That belief is already starting to take root. Bobeck has been impressed by the dedication he’s seen from players this summer and the kindness extended by the Cordell community. But he’s calling on that community to do even more.
“I’d like to ask parents and supporters to help encourage more kids to participate,” he said. “Give football a chance. Give teammates a chance. Give me a chance to earn your trust. Parent and community support are vital. The football program and every other program in the school are a representation of the community. We are the front porch of the school and community.”
Cordell fans won’t have to wait long to get involved. Bobeck is hosting a Cordell Football Camp on July 23, 24, and 25. The camp, designed for all skill levels, will take place in the evenings to accommodate transportation needs and will focus on fundamentals with a healthy dose of fun.
“We will emphasize FUNdamentals of proper football technique in the camp,” he said.
Despite a career full of accolades, including a national championship ring, Bobeck insists his proudest moments have nothing to do with trophies.
“My proudest moments are reconnecting with players and seeing their lives now in comparison to what they were when they first came into our program,” he said.
Cordell may be a long way from the college gridirons of Navarro or UCO, but for Bobeck, it’s right where he wants to be.
“There is a lot of pride and tradition in this town. I have already met so many wonderful people. I’m excited about the talent that I’ve seen,” he said.”
With Bobeck at the wheel, it’s safe to say the Blue Devils are in for an uplifting season.