We all know Superintendent and Coaches tend to have close relationships. Not always, but for the most part.
Hockenberry was only the assistant Sup in Longview for about 3 years, so he doesn't really have a real connection to Longview IMO. For that reason, I don't think getting a Longview coach or Longview connected coach is a reality for Lufkin. If it was though, Berry (DC) is proven as a HC. One of the best coaches in ETX. Another option could be Jerrod Baugh, former OC under King. Current HC at 5A Ruston, LA....just won a state title last year and was in the title game the year before that.
But like I said, I don't think Hockenberry has Longview connections like that. Seemed to be sort of a pit stop for him. However, he was Superintendent at Center for 12 years before going to Longview.
Ralph Thomas is obviously a choice with the turnaround he's had at Yates. And he'd more than likely be bringing an excellent OC with him in Longview alum Jon Writt, who worked at Lufkin (2014) before and helped Longview hit some high milestones including the title in 2018. Want to know the artist behind the likes of Kamden Perry and Jalen Hale? Coach Writt was WRs coach for Longview from 2015-2022 and was responsible for signaling in our plays. Hated it when Writt left but was happy to see him go up the ranks.
I'd keep an eye on Center HC Ricky Meeks. He won at Alto, he's winning at Center....won a championship as an assistant under his legendary father Dickie Meeks. I bet he'd get a call. ETX guy so you'll get stability.
Hockenberry also has a connection with Barry Bowman, who won multiple state titles at Daingerfield. Think he's coaching down in Florida now.