Dan Nieboer, a Texas high assistant, named Lely head football coach

Lely has its next head football coach. After letting go of Ben Hammer after three seasons and back-to-back regional semifinal appearances in December, the Trojans announced the hiring of Liberty Christian (Texas) assistant Dan Nieboer on Thursday afternoon, March 26. "Lely High School looks forward to the energy, experience, and leadership Coach Nieboer brings to the football program and anticipates an exciting new chapter for Trojan football," Lely interim activities coordinator Pete Seitz said in a statement.

Nieboer joins Lely from Liberty Christian, located in Argyle, Texas, where he served as defensive line coach and was part of their state championship team in 2024. Over his 25 years, Nieboer has coached a handful of prospects to the Power Four level, including players who went to Miami, LSU, Michigan, Ole Miss , Texas Tech, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, among others. Nieboer played college football at Ohio Northern University and the University of Rochester.

He earned his undergraduate degree in Spanish and holds a master’s degree in Sport Management from Liberty University, combining academic achievement with a deep understanding of athletic leadership. “I am extremely honored to be joining the Lely family and to bring my own family to be a part of such an awesome community,” Nieboer said in a statement. “I can’t wait to get there and get started building lifelong relationships within our school and athletics programs.

” Hammer was let go after compiling a 20-14 record, two district titles, and two playoff appearances. The Trojans had a solid 2025 season in Hammer's final year, finishing 8-4 with a district title and a regional semifinal appearance. More: Kiwanis honor ‘Terrific Kids’ at Manatee Elementary And: Back to nature: April and May events at Rookery Bay Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X: @NP_AlexMartin .