MISSION – Tom Lee hasn’t coached football in four years, and his last head coaching job was at Mission High School 10 years ago. The chance to return to the sidelines at Pioneer High School was something he couldn’t pass up.

“When you’re a football coach, you can’t say no to Friday night lights,” said Lee. “I don’t care what anybody tells you. There’s nothing like Friday night lights.”

As Pioneer’s athletic coordinator the last four years, Lee has had the opportunity to get to know athletes in the program.

“It’s been a blessing,” said Lee. “I know the kids here. I’ve probably coached 95 percent of these kids in some form or fashion. Whether it’s been in basketball or track. I think it was a good fit.”

Under Jason Wheeler, the Diamondbacks made the playoffs the last two years, but the program is still in search of its first postseason victory.

“Obviously our goal is to go behind what we’ve been,” said Lee. “I think that’s the goal of every coach in the state of Texas. I want to throw the ball. I’m big into that. I think we have a great quarterback. He’ll be a four-year letterman. We want to do some different things on defense. It’s just a new, exciting experience for me.”

As part of his transition to head football coach, Lee says he’ll step down as Pioneer’s head track coach.