Steven Lemley, a longtime high school football coach known throughout the Dallas area for his work at Cedar Hill, Duncanville-area programs, Midlothian and DeSoto, has died unexpectedly.
News of his passing spread quickly across social media as former players, coaching colleagues and students shared memories of a man they described as tough, faithful and deeply devoted to the people around him.
Lemley spent years as a defensive coordinator, most notably alongside head coach Doug Wendel at Midlothian High School, where he worked closely with fellow coach Robert David Irwin for five seasons.
Irwin, who coached the defensive line at rival Duncanville before joining Lemley at Midlothian, said Lemley made him a better coach and set an example of humility that stuck with everyone on the staff.
According to Irwin, Lemley never acted like a man who had already proven himself, even after years of success. He simply kept working, often rushing across the field himself to handle small tasks rather than delegate them.
A Coach Who Shaped Generations of Players
Before Midlothian, Lemley served as defensive coordinator at Cedar Hill High School, where he left a lasting impression on players like Brice Musgrove, who now holds that same coordinator position.
Musgrove credited Lemley with pushing his defense harder than they thought possible while still making sure every player knew they were loved.
He said Lemley checked on him while he was deployed overseas, gave him his first coaching job when he returned to Texas, and called to congratulate him after each of his children was born. Musgrove said Lemley’s influence is the reason he coaches today.
Community members from DeSoto, where Lemley made his home, also shared condolences. Lori Yvette Pecos, whose family has ties to the DeSoto school district, called him a great coach, teacher and mentor whose loss will be felt throughout the community.
Remembered by Family as a Devoted Father and Grandfather
Lemley’s son, Cody Lemley, wrote an emotional tribute describing his father as the toughest man he ever knew, but said his real strength was in how he loved and showed up for others. Cody said the outpouring of stories from former players and coaches proved the kind of impact his father had. He promised to carry his father’s legacy forward and closed his post addressing his dad directly by his nickname, Slappy.
Lemley is survived by his wife, Jen Lemley, and his children, Brynne and Ethan, along with grandchildren who friends say brought him some of his greatest joy. Those close to him said he often lit up when talking about being a grandfather.
Friends and former players say Lemley’s legacy will live on not through wins or championships, but through the coaches he trained, the students he mentored and the faith and humility he showed every day on and off the field.
