 Briles left the school in 1987 with a 4–15–1 overall record.In 1988, he took over head coaching duties at 4A Stephenville High School in Stephenville, Texas, a school that was playing in the same area as state powerhouse Brownwood High School and had not reached the playoffs in football since 1952.After a 4–5–1 season in 1989, Briles' Stephenville squads made the playoffs in 1990 and ever since.