After a 20-year coaching career he became an assistant at the University of Texas at Austin, and is credited for introducing the T formation to Longhorns football.
[1] Curtis prepped at Vernon High School and went on to attend Abilene Christian University, where he played quarterback for coach Victor Payne.
In 1945, Curtis succeeded Rusty Russell as head coach at Highland Park High School in Dallas, Texas.
The 7–7 tie in the finals attracted a then record high school crowd of 45,790 into the Cotton Bowl.
After the season, Curtis was hired by Texas assistant Blair Cherry to coach the freshmen varsity.