A Silsbee Legacy Set to Hang Up His Whistle

February 17, 2026 — After more than three decades on the sidelines, a familiar face in Tiger Nation has announced this is his final season. Coach Ira Brooks, a 1979 graduate of Silsbee High School, will hang up his whistle at the end of the season, closing out a remarkable chapter in Silsbee basketball history.

After graduating from Silsbee High School, he earned a basketball scholarship to Northwood University before eventually returning home to begin his career at Silsbee ISD. In 1994, he officially joined the Tigers’ coaching staff, beginning a run that would span more than 1,000 games and countless memories.

Over the years, Brooks has helped lead the Tigers to 30 playoff appearances, 24 district championships, 20 regional tournaments, 15 regional finals, seven state tournaments, four state finals, and two state championships and that is a resume that speaks for itself.

On Tuesday night, the stands were packed as the Silsbee community showed up in full force to honor the Tigers’ seniors and celebrate Coach Brooks’ incredible years of dedication to the program.

“In my first year as Head Coach of the Silsbee Tigers I couldn't have asked for a better coaching staff. Ira Brooks played a pivotal part of our success on the basketball court this year. He was about standards,  discipline and Accountability. Everything that I've always had as focal points throughout my career.  Doing things the right way even when no one is watching. Coach Brooks coached with purpose, and every whistle, every correction, every word on the sideline came from a place of care,” said Cornelius Brown, Head Boys Basketball Coach.

Throughout his career, Brooks has coached alongside former Head Coach Joe Sigler and even shared the bench with two of his sons, Jacob and JoJo which made the journey even more meaningful.

Off the court, Coach Brooks serves as Pastor of New Life Ministries of Silsbee and continues to pour into the community beyond basketball.

“Coach Brooks, thank you for setting the bar. Thank you for the discipline you demanded, the lessons you gave, and the legacy you leave behind. Enjoy retirement—you’ve earned it. The gym won’t be the same without you, but your impact will be felt for a long time,” said coach Brown.

And while retirement may be on the horizon, his story with the Tigers isn’t finished just yet. With playoffs underway, fans can still expect to see his signature energy pacing the sidelines as the Tigers chase another state run.