Graford's Jeff Bell retires; school hires recent state champion as new AD/HC

TL;DR

Jeff Bell has retired as Graford's boys basketball coach and athletic director after a successful career, including back-to-back state championships. The school has hired a recent state champion as his successor.

Key points

Jeff Bell retires from coaching at Graford
Bell won back-to-back state championships in 2022 and 2023
He has over 1,000 career wins and is a Hall of Fame inductee
The school hires a recent state champion as the new AD/HC
Bell emphasizes the importance of relationships built during his career

Mentioned in this story

Jeff Bell

Graford JackrabbitsTexas Association of Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame

In a Facebook post made by the Bell family over the weekend, legendary head coach Jeff Bell announced he has stepped down as Graford’s boys basketball coach/athletic director and retired from coaching.

“Coaching at Graford has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am incredibly proud of what our players, coaches, and community accomplished together over the years,” said Bell in the Facebook post. “Winning back-to-back State Championships in 2022 and 2023, including the first State Championship in school history, will always be special memories for me and my family. I am also grateful for the opportunity to be part of multiple Regional Final runs and so many unforgettable moments with our athletes.”

Later in the post, Bell mentioned his two state championships in the early 2000s with Brock and how thankful he was to help build successful programs, much like he did with the Jackrabbits.

“More important than wins and championships are the relationships built along the way,” furthered Bell. “I will always cherish the players, families, students, fellow coaches, teachers, and community members who supported our program throughout the years. Watching young men grow into successful adults has been the most rewarding part of this profession.”

The 4-time state champion holds over 1,000 career wins, which he surpassed in 2024. He’s a 24-time Coach of the Year winner and is a Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) Hall of Fame inductee.

In the 2025-26 season, Graford reached the 2A Div. II regional finals. The Jackrabbits fell to the eventual state champions, Lipan.

Graford ISD announced Bo Rickner as the successor to Bell and the school’s new athletic director Monday night during a board of trustees meeting.

Rickner brings 19 years of coaching experience, including six as a head coach. Most recently, Rickner led Paradise to a 3A Div. II state championship this past season, earning TABC Region Coach of the Year honors.

During his 12 years as an assistant, Rickner worked under Zach Boxell at Brock.

Q&A

Why did Jeff Bell retire from coaching at Graford?

Jeff Bell announced his retirement to reflect on his successful career and the relationships built with players and the community.

What achievements did Jeff Bell have during his coaching career?

Jeff Bell won back-to-back state championships in 2022 and 2023, holds over 1,000 career wins, and is a 24-time Coach of the Year.

Who is the new athletic director and head coach at Graford?

Graford has hired a recent state champion as the new athletic director and head coach following Jeff Bell's retirement.