April 2, 2025

NEWS RELEASE
 
Sammie “Mitchell” Ricker has been named head football coach at Burbank High School. This will be the first varsity football head coaching job for Ricker. He has worked as a coach since 2014.
 
Ricker served as the defensive coordinator for San Antonio’s Legacy of Educational Excellence (LEE) High School this past season.  He helped guide the Volunteers defense to the lowest amount of points allowed in a season since 2017. Prior to LEE, Ricker was the defensive coordinator at Burbank High School for the 2023-2024 school year when the Bulldogs qualified for the bi-district game.
 
The University of Texas at San Antonio graduate will inherit a Burbank Bulldogs team that has made the state playoffs four times in the last seven years, including last fall’s 8-3 finish and the team’s first district championship since 1978. He replaces Michael Mull, who moved on to become the defensive coordinator at Johnson High School in San Antonio.
 
“I am very excited,” said Ricker, a San Antonio native and graduate of MacArthur High School. “A strong foundation has already been set at Burbank. They have strong leadership at the campus. I am very lucky and blessed to continue to try and have success there. They have great kids and a great community.”
 
Ricker plans to coach a multiple three and four man front attack style defense and a fast tempo, spread to run offense at Burbank.  
 
"We are thrilled to have Coach Ricker join our SAISD family,” said Fred Anthony, SAISD senior executive director of Athletics. “He emphasizes athletic and academic success, and we are excited for the Burbank community."

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