Highly successful Celina High School head football coach Bill Elliott has been placed on paid, non-disciplinary leave due to a potential conflict of interest related to an ongoing investigation involving his son.

Caleb Elliott, 26, recently resigned from the school district and now faces two felony charges — including possession of child pornography — after allegedly recording students in a locker room.

The case has sparked a firestorm of concern and outrage among parents.

Undefeated season under Bill Elliott's leadership

Bill Elliott has served as head coach at Celina High School since 2012. He led the team to a Class 4A Division I state championship in 2024, capping a perfect 16-0 season. This year, Celina is ranked No. 1 in Class 4A Division I with an 8-0 record.

He publicly apologized to the community during a recent school board meeting.

Principal also placed on leave

In a letter to parents Friday, Celina ISD Superintendent Tom Maglisceau announced that Moore Middle School Principal Allison Ginn had also been placed on paid, non-disciplinary leave, pending the outcome of investigations.

Caleb Elliott previously served as an eighth-grade football coach and sixth-grade social studies teacher at Moore Middle School.

He was reassigned from Celina High School to Moore Middle School in the summer of 2023 following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a senior student.  

Third-party investigator recommended action

The district said the decision to place Bill Elliott and Ginn on leave was made at the recommendation of a third-party investigator.

"To be clear, the investigator has not made findings in any respect; however, based on her preliminary review, and in an abundance of caution, she recommended the district consider placing both employees on non-disciplinary leave pending completion of the independent third-party investigation," Maglisceau said.

Details of the criminal allegations

According to an arrest affidavit, investigators say Caleb Elliott recorded several boys in the Moore Middle School locker room during school hours. Police recovered 12 photos from his phone, all described as meeting the legal definition of child pornography and showing boys in various stages of undress.

Lawsuit and state inquiry underway

In the letter, Maglisceau acknowledged a lawsuit filed by parents of Moore Middle School students against Celina ISD and Caleb Elliott. He also noted a letter from state Rep. Jeff Leach to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton requesting a fully independent criminal investigation.

The lawsuit alleges that Elliott was caught placing cameras in the locker room during the 2024-25 school year and that the district responded with apology letters but did not terminate him.  

Maglisceau said the district will update the Texas Attorney General's Office and Leach on the status of all investigations related to the case.

Two investigations currently in progress

Maglisceau said two investigations are underway: one by the Celina Police Department into alleged criminal conduct, and another by the district's independent third-party investigator.

"One of the primary purposes the district retained an independent third-party to conduct an investigation was to ensure there was no possibility of a conflict of interest or effort to 'cover up' information regarding the students' claims," Maglisceau said.

District pauses internal review for now

Maglisceau said the district paused its internal investigation at the request of Celina police, who asked the district to hold off to avoid a conflict. He said Celina ISD is complying.

He said the scope of the third-party review includes hiring practices, employee retention, the district's response to claims, and broader systemic issues related to Caleb Elliott. He noted that the district terminated Elliott's employment and required him to surrender his teaching certificate.

District promises transparency and updates

Maglisceau said the district will take appropriate action and share the results with the community once the investigations are complete.

He urged patience, discernment, and unity - emphasizing Celina's strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

CBS News Texas will continue to provide updates as new information emerges.