Edinburg CISD posts Vela head football coach opening amid suspension, lawsuits
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Staff Report
Edinburg, TX – Edinburg CISD posted a job opening March 26, 2026, for the Athletic Coordinator and Head Football Coach position at Robert Vela High School as current coach Ernesto “Ernie” Alonzo remains suspended amid ongoing litigation.
According to reports, Alonzo was suspended following testimony in a March 2026 court hearing related to lawsuits alleging he forced students to perform exercises while nude in March 2024.
Legal proceedings
Two civil lawsuits filed against Alonzo and Edinburg CISD administrators allege students were ordered to perform physical exercises without clothing inside a locker room at Robert Vela High School.
One lawsuit alleges the incident occurred March 22, 2024, when a student was ordered to perform strenuous physical activity while nude after exiting the showers. A second lawsuit filed in March 2026 alleges three additional students were ordered to perform burpees while nude in the locker room.
The lawsuits seek damages ranging from $250,000 to $1 million for alleged physical pain, mental anguish and emotional trauma. Alonzo denied the allegations during testimony, stating he did not authorize students to work out nude, according to reporting from KRGV.
District response
Edinburg CISD School Board Trustee Xavier Salinas confirmed to news media Alonzo’s suspension and said the district posted the coaching vacancy but declined additional comment, citing personnel matters.
Court testimony indicated the case was reviewed by the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office, which found no criminal offense, according to statements made during the hearing.
Program background
Alonzo was hired in February 2024 to lead the Robert Vela High School football program, competing in District 16-5A Division I. He previously served as defensive coordinator at McAllen High School. The investigation and related legal proceedings remain ongoing.
Source — Edinburg CIS