ACU Hires Experienced Salazar as Assistant Coach
3/17/2026 3:30:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Abilene Christian soccer head coach Stephen Salas has announced the hiring of assistant coach Jose Salazar, who brings a wealth of experience at the college, high school and club levels.
Salazar spent four seasons with the Texas Wesleyan soccer programs, working as an assistant with the men's team in two stints from 2019-20 and 2023-25, and as an assistant with the women's team for the 2025 season. In 2024, he played a pivotal role in leading the Rams to a 10-6-3 record, securing fourth place in the Sooner Athletic Conference. That same year, under his guidance, Mathis Guffroy became one of only six NAIA All-American athletes in Texas Wesleyan men's soccer history.
"Jose is an incredibly driven individual who takes great pride in everything he does," said Salas, who enters his fourth season leading the Wildcats this fall. "He's a relentless recruiter and a developer in all areas of the game and life. Through his experience coaching at the college, club, and high school levels, he's become a very versatile coach and life mentor who builds strong relationships with the players he works with.
"Jose's passion for helping athletes grow both on and off the field will make a tremendous impact on our program. We are excited to have such a great coach join the legacy we're building at Abilene Christian."
Salazar has spent years developing young talent as the academy director and regional leagues head coach of Sting Soccer Club in Dallas since 2021. He also was the boys' soccer head coach at Cleburne High School from 2020-23 where he revitalized the program and guided the Yellow Jackets to their first playoff appearance in five years. Most recently, he served as the program director and boys' soccer head coach at Trinity Valley High School in Ft. Worth since Nov. 2024.
Salazar also worked at TCU soccer camps for four years.
Salazar is a U.S. Soccer Foundation (USFF) National B License holder, reflecting his commitment to professional growth and excellence.
He holds a bachelor's degree in business from UT Arlington and a master's degree in coaching education from Ohio University.
Salazar spent four seasons with the Texas Wesleyan soccer programs, working as an assistant with the men's team in two stints from 2019-20 and 2023-25, and as an assistant with the women's team for the 2025 season. In 2024, he played a pivotal role in leading the Rams to a 10-6-3 record, securing fourth place in the Sooner Athletic Conference. That same year, under his guidance, Mathis Guffroy became one of only six NAIA All-American athletes in Texas Wesleyan men's soccer history.
"Jose is an incredibly driven individual who takes great pride in everything he does," said Salas, who enters his fourth season leading the Wildcats this fall. "He's a relentless recruiter and a developer in all areas of the game and life. Through his experience coaching at the college, club, and high school levels, he's become a very versatile coach and life mentor who builds strong relationships with the players he works with.
"Jose's passion for helping athletes grow both on and off the field will make a tremendous impact on our program. We are excited to have such a great coach join the legacy we're building at Abilene Christian."
Salazar has spent years developing young talent as the academy director and regional leagues head coach of Sting Soccer Club in Dallas since 2021. He also was the boys' soccer head coach at Cleburne High School from 2020-23 where he revitalized the program and guided the Yellow Jackets to their first playoff appearance in five years. Most recently, he served as the program director and boys' soccer head coach at Trinity Valley High School in Ft. Worth since Nov. 2024.
Salazar also worked at TCU soccer camps for four years.
Salazar is a U.S. Soccer Foundation (USFF) National B License holder, reflecting his commitment to professional growth and excellence.
He holds a bachelor's degree in business from UT Arlington and a master's degree in coaching education from Ohio University.
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