Introducing Coach Joey Phillips: Leadership On and Off the Field
We’re thrilled to welcome Coach Joey Phillips as our new Assistant Athletic Director and Head Football Coach! Coach Phillips brings a winning mindset and a passion for developing athletes both on and off the field. He joins us from Hyde Park Schools in Austin, where he made a major impact as Defensive Coordinator and Athletic Marketing/College Recruiting Director. Over the past three years, he’s built a reputation for excellence in coaching and program development, and we can’t wait to see the energy, experience, and leadership he brings to our team!
A graduate of the nationally recognized Regents School of Austin, Coach Phillips played under Texas TAPPS legend Beck Bryden. His firsthand experience as a student-athlete in a rigorous academic setting equips him to lead with both excellence and integrity. (Fun fact: His senior thesis involved rap music—ask him about it!)
Coach Phillips received his undergraduate degree in Communication, Public Relations, and New Media from Baylor University and a master’s degree in Leadership & Organizational Behavior from Austin Peay State University. His coaching journey includes time at Howard Payne University and four years at the Division I level, coaching at Austin Peay University, the University of Hawaii, and the University of Colorado before returning to Austin to begin his high school coaching career.
On a personal note, Joey met his wife, Christine—a Dallas native—while in Hawaii in 2021. The two tied the knot in December 2023 and recently celebrated the arrival of their baby girl, Hope, born on April 30th. While welcoming a daughter to his family, Joey has been busy building relationships with football families and players, coaching spring football, and gearing up to coach 7-on-7 this summer.
Coach Joey is passionate about mentoring young men through exceptional coaching and high standards, just as he was once mentored. His love for football, deep faith, and spiritual maturity shine through in his authentic energy and relentless pursuit of excellence. He is already making an impact on players at CCA.
Coach Phillips is the most servant-hearted coach I have had in my high school career. AND he is dedicated to our success on and off the field. – Gabe Hale CCA Senior
Coach Phillips is the most intentional and caring coach I’ve ever had. Even while in the hospital awaiting his baby’s arrival, he was reaching out to college coaches on my behalf. He takes time to connect with nearly every middle and high school guy, encouraging them to join CCA football. It’s clear he genuinely cares about each of us. – Grant Kruse CCA Senior
To help our community get to know Coach Phillips beyond the sidelines, here is a quick Q&A with him.
Who had the biggest impact on your career choice?
My high school coaches had the biggest impact on my decision to become a coach! Shout out to Beck Brydon, Adam Boyd, Sam Thompson, & Landon Durham!
What is the most rewarding part of being a coach?
The most rewarding part is seeing the Holy Spirit change kids’ hearts, generating their faith, deepening their understanding, or strengthening them as men. Seeing a kid grow spiritually, but also athletically, as well; seeing them accomplish things they never thought possible.
What has football taught you about life?
Football has taught me to be present and trust God each day. My mentor, Mark Powell, often told me to keep my head down and play the next snap no matter what’s happening around me. I think as Christians, that’s even more important, where we invest entirely in what’s right in front of us, no matter what might have happened or what we feel may happen, because we know the result is in God’s hands.
What’s the career highlight you’re most proud of?
I got invited to a player’s wedding this year for the first time, which meant a lot. While in Austin, I was able to attend a few players’ baptisms, which meant a great deal to me. For football specifically, it would be winning the Ohio Valley Conference Championship in 2019 at Austin Peay and then upsetting Fresno while I was at Hawaii.
What is the one thing you wish parents knew?
I would like them to know how much time I spend thinking and praying about how to make our kids better, as well as considering ways to improve our program, school, and so on.
What is the one thing you wish students knew?
I wish students knew how much I love them and how much I genuinely believe that playing football in high school is one of the most important and life-changing experiences you can have, if you allow it to be.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
I love that I get to do a little of everything. In any given day, I can be a preacher, psychologist, marketer, event planner, strategist, and even laundry washer.
What is your favorite way to spend a weekend?
I enjoy spending a slow Saturday morning with my wife, Christine, where we read our Bibles and devotionals and take a walk. Now that we have a baby, we visit the farmers’ market on Saturdays, and then we like to end the weekend with church on Sundays and grilling steaks on Sunday night.
What is your favorite quote?
“Men don’t follow titles; they follow courage.”–William Wallace, Braveheart
What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?
Having a conversation with someone about the Gospel instantly brightens my day.
What is your definition of success?
My definition of success is remaining loyal to God’s word and being authentically myself, as I passionately strive to make our athletes better versions of themselves.
Coach Phillips is deeply thankful to be part of the CCA community and has been especially moved by the genuine faith and warmth he’s witnessed in CCA families. He’s overwhelmed with gratitude for the outpouring of support as he and his family welcomed their daughter, Hope, into the world.
Welcome to CCA Coach Phillips!