Hubbry Logo
Todd DodgeTodd DodgeMain
Open search
Todd Dodge
Community hub
Todd Dodge
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Todd Dodge
Todd Dodge
Todd Dodge
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Todd Russell Dodge (born July 21, 1963) is an American football coach and former player, and current head coach at Lovejoy High School in Lucas, Texas. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin where he played quarterback for the Longhorns, Dodge went into coaching, primarily at the high school level. At Southlake Carroll he was head coach of four 5A state championship teams in a seven-year span.[1] He moved on to the college level as head coach of the University of North Texas football team, but he was released after acquiring a 6–37 record. After coaching the quarterbacks at the University of Pittsburgh for the 2011 season, he returned to high school coaching in 2012.

Key Information

Playing career

[edit]

Dodge played quarterback at Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas, under coach Ronnie Thompson where he set several state records. As a senior in 1980, Dodge set the record for most passing yards in a season and became the first quarterback in Texas high school football history to pass for more than 3,000 yards in a season (3,135 yards). That same season, he led Jefferson High to the 1980 Class 4A state championship game against Permian High School of Odessa, Texas.[2] He also set Texas high school records for most career completions (382) and most completions in a season (221); while finishing his career with the second most career passing yards behind Gary Kubiak.[3]

Dodge went on to play quarterback at the University of Texas at Austin under coach Fred Akers. From 1982 to 1983, Dodge was a backup quarterback, though he did get his first start as a freshman in the 1982 Sun Bowl when Robert Brewer broke his hand 5 days before the game. In that game the #8 Longhorns were upset by North Carolina 26–10, in the snow, with Dodge going 6-22 for just 50 yards.[4]

In 1983, Dodge was named the starter for the opening game, but a shoulder injury in the final preseason scrimmage on Sep 9,[5] sidelined him for a month and he didn't reclaim the starting role until early November. In late October he twice came in off the bench to replace starter Rob Moerschell and rally the Longhorns to wins. He came in late to throw the go-ahead touchdown pass in the 15–12 win over SMU,[4] and early the following week to lead the Longhorns to a 20–3 win over Texas Tech.[6] The next week he got his first start of the season in a 9-3 lackluster win over Houston.[7] But after struggling in the TCU game the next week and being replaced by Moerschell,[8] he didn't play the remainder of the year. Despite the quarterback troubles that resulted in rotating starters, the Longhorns went undefeated during the regular season and, but for a disappointing loss to Georgia in the Cotton Bowl, would have won the national championship.

The Longhorns entered the 1984 season ranked #4 with Dodge again as the starter. The team started with back-to-back wins over ranked opponents, #11 Auburn and #4 Penn State. Texas rose to a #1 ranking, which it lost after a controversial 15–15 tie with #3 Oklahoma, but went on to win 3 more games, including a win over #14 SMU to start the season 6–0–1. But the title run was ended during a 29–15 loss to Houston in which Dodge threw 0 completions in his first 13 passes (but 4 of his 5 record interceptions) and was benched for Bret Stafford. Dodge led the team to a win over #12 TCU the next week, but lost again to Baylor in the following game—while setting school records for single season passing yards and completions. The season finished with two more losses, to Texas A&M when Dodge was benched for Stafford, and to Iowa in the 1984 Freedom Bowl when the Longhorns gave up 55 points, the most since 1904.[4]

Dodge and Stafford started the 1985 season in the middle of a heated quarterback battle, which Stafford won.[9] After splitting time in the first three games, Dodge got a chance to retake the quarterback position when Stafford was pulled six plays into the Oklahoma game, but Dodge threw 2 interceptions and could only muster 53 yards allowing Stafford to retain the starting role the next week against Arkansas. Dodge would not see significant playing time again until the final game of the regular season when he came off the bench versus Texas A&M to score the Longhorns only touchdown that day.

Dodge finished with a career record of 9-5-1 and several passing records. He still ranks ninth on the UT all-time passing list with 2,791 yards and stands ninth in TD passes with 18. His 359 passing yards in Texas' 44–16 win over Rice in 1985 stood as the Longhorn single-game record for 13 years before James Brown broke it with a 397-yard passing day against Texas Tech in 1997.[10] Dodge's passing effort currently ranks fourth on the UT single-game chart, behind Major Applewhite, Colt McCoy, and Brown. His 96-yard touchdown pass to Donovan Pitts in the 1985 Rice game is still tied for the second longest in school history.

Records

[edit]
  • Texas High School Record- Most passing yards, season (3,135), surpassed by Wilbur Odom in 1986
  • UT - Passing Yards, Game (359); surpassed by James Brown in 1997
  • UT - Passing Yards, Season (1,599), surpassed by Bret Stafford in 1986
  • UT - Highest Average Gain per completion, game (32.6)
  • UT - Passes intercepted, Game (5) tied with Zeke Martin, Stafford, Garrett Gilbert
  • UT - Passes intercepted, Season (19)
  • UT - Longest Pass Play (96 yards), pass to Donovon Pitts; surpassed by Major Applewhite in 1998
  • UT - Longest Scoring Play (96 yards), pass to Donovon Pitts; surpassed by Major Applewhite in 1998

Italic means active

High school coaching career

[edit]
A horizontal photograph of a man standing on a football field
Todd Dodge on the field while coaching at Carroll High School

I was very blessed to know when I was 17 years old that I wanted to go into coaching. And that I had the opportunity to play at the University of Texas, where I don't know that you can have a better training ground to be a coach.

— Todd Dodge[1]

Soon after graduation, Dodge pursued a coaching career at the high school level. His first stop was at Rockwall in 1987, where he coached the quarterbacks and wide receivers. That year, the team made an appearance at the 4A state championship game against West Orange–Stark. Dodge then became offensive coordinator at McKinney High School under head coach Ron Poe. By 1991, Poe yielded to Dodge's persuasion and agreed to try the spread offense. Dodge came up with a hybrid between the Houston's run and shoot offense, the Miami's three- and five-step drops, and a zone running game. McKinney reached the 4A Regionals in 1991.[1]

After a two-year stint as an assistant coach at North Texas, Dodge became a head coach, first at C.H. Yoe High School in Cameron, then at Carrollton Newman-Smith and Keller Fossil Ridge high schools.

In 2000, Dodge became head coach at Southlake Carroll, where he had his greatest success. Southlake Carroll had won 3A state championships in 1988, 1992 and 1993, but had since then moved on to 5A, the largest classification in the state. Dodge coached his first state championship team in 2002, when the school won the 5A (Division II) state championship with a 45–14 victory over Smithson Valley High School. A year later, he led them back to the championship game where they lost by one point to Katy High School. Dodge's Southlake Carroll then proceeded to win three straight championships from 2004 to 2007, tying the state record set by Abilene High School's in the 1950s. In addition, each of those teams was recognized as mythical national champions by either USA Today (2004, '06) or National Prep Poll (2004, '05). Schutt Sports named Dodge "National Coach of the Year" in 2004 and by USA Today in 2005. After the 2006 season, Dodge left Southlake Carroll to coach at the University of North Texas. During his seven seasons at Southlake Carroll, Dodge's teams had a 98–11 record overall.

College coaching career

[edit]

North Texas

[edit]

The North Texas Mean Green hired Dodge on December 12, 2006, as the new head football coach of the football team, replacing former coach Darrell Dickey, who was fired on November 8 after going 2–9 in 2005 and 3–9 in 2006.[11]

2007

[edit]

During his first season as head coach, UNT went 2–10. Dodge's spread offense averaged 408.4 total yards and 24.8 points per game while giving up 39 sacks.[12] Dodge brought most of his original college coaching staff from the high school ranks, and the team struggled to compete against non-conference and Sun Belt foes. UNT's defensive squad, directed by Ron Mendoza, gave up an FBS-worst 45.1 points per game.[13] Soon after the season ended, Dodge dismissed Mendoza.[14]

2008

[edit]

For the 2008 season, Dodge hired Gary DeLoach as the team's new defensive coordinator. Deloach had a terrific run as UNT's secondary coach from 1998 to 2000 and was a fan favorite for his stellar work as defensive coordinator from 2000 to 2002.[15] Even with dramatically improved coaching, the Mean Green defense lacked experienced, developed talent. The defense allowed 47.6 points per game in 2008, the worst number at the FBS level that year. The offense also regressed, averaging only 20.0 points per game and allowing 25 sacks.[16] The team's special teams units were among the worst in the country in most categories.[16] That year, quarterback Riley Dodge, Todd Dodge's son, joined the team. The team finished with a dismal 1–11 record, its only win over FBS transitional Western Kentucky.[17]

2009

[edit]

Dodge focused heavily on upgrading the team's defensive talent with several good recruits from the junior college ranks in 2009. The defense improved, giving up an average of 36.4 PPG, including 28.8 PPG in the last four games when the new talent jelled. Although the offensive line held opposing teams to 12 sacks all season, the offense had 21 fumbles and 17 interceptions during the season. The kicking game suffered from several blocked field goals, and the team finished the 2009 season with a 2–10 record.[18]

2010

[edit]

UNT opted to retain Todd Dodge for the 2010 season. It was understood that Dodge had to produce a winning season to keep his job.

On October 20, 2010, UNT athletics director Rick Villarreal fired Dodge. Dodge had compiled a 6–37 record.[19]

During his tenure, UNT was consistently rated in the bottom ten by ESPN.

Offensive coordinator Mike Canales took over as interim head coach.

Going into the 2013 season, Athlon Sports rated Todd Dodge as the seventh worst college football tenure in the BCS era.[20]

Pittsburgh

[edit]

Dodge was named the quarterbacks coach at the University of Pittsburgh on January 18, 2011. He held the position for one season before returning to coach high school football in Texas.[21]

Return to high school coaching

[edit]

In January 2012, Pittsburgh's head football coach Todd Graham left to become the head coach at Arizona State. Dodge was not retained by Pitt after the coaching change, and decided to move back to the Texas high school coaching ranks, taking over as head coach at Marble Falls High School.[22]

In 2014, Dodge left Marble Falls to take over the program at football powerhouse Austin Westlake High School in Eanes Independent School District. Dodge took the Westlake Chapparrals to the State Championship game in 2015 but lost to Galena Park North Shore 21–14 in overtime. He took the Lone Star Gridiron Class 6A Coach of the Year honors for the season.[23] He went on to win State Championships in the 6A division in the 2019, 2020 and 2021 seasons, becoming the first Texas high school football coach to win 3-straight championships with 2 different schools. He announced after the 2020 season that he will be retiring from high school football coaching after the 2021 season.

The 2020 UIL 6A Division 1 state championship game marked the end of a strange season already marred by the COVID-19 pandemic. Things got even weirder with Westlake matched against Southlake Carroll, one of Dodge's previous teams, coached by his son, Riley Dodge. Westlake prevailed, 52–34, in the father-son coaching matchup, finishing the season as state champs at 14–0.[24]

In January 2024, Dodge came out of retirement to take the head coaching job at Lovejoy High School in Lucas, Texas.[25][26]

Personal life

[edit]

Dodge is married to Elizabeth Neptune, daughter of Ebbie Neptune, longtime athletic director and football coach at Westlake High School of Austin, Texas. The couple have a son, Riley Dodge, who played wide receiver and quarterback at North Texas, and a daughter, Molly.

In 1985, while finishing up his degree at Texas, Dodge was badly injured in a fire. While working as an electric meter technician for the city of Austin, his equipment overloaded and exploded. The fire left 2nd and 3rd degree burns on his hands, arms and face and nearly cost him some of his fingers.[2]

Head coaching record

[edit]

High school

[edit]
Season Team Wins Losses Notes
1994 Cameron Yoe 3 7
1995 Cameron Yoe 5 5
1996 Carrollton Newman Smith 4 6
1997 Carrollton Newman Smith 5 5
1998 Keller Fossil Ridge 2 7
1999 Keller Fossil Ridge 5 5
2000 Southlake Carroll 9 5
2001 Southlake Carroll 10 5
2002 Southlake Carroll 16 0 5A D2 state champions
2003 Southlake Carroll 15 1 5A D2 finalist; lost title game 16–15 to Katy
2004 Southlake Carroll 16 0 5A D2 state champions
2005 Southlake Carroll 16 0 5A D2 state champions
2006 Southlake Carroll 16 0 5A D1 state champions
2012 Marble Falls 4 6
2013 Marble Falls 4 6
2014 Austin Westlake 7 4
2015 Austin Westlake 14 2 6A D1 finalist; lost title game 21-14 (OT) to North Shore
2016 Austin Westlake 11 3 6A D1 State quarterfinalist
2017 Austin Westlake 14 1 6A D2 State semi-finalist
2018 Austin Westlake 13 2 6A D2 State semi-finalist
2019 Austin Westlake 15 1 6A D2 State Champions
2020 Austin Westlake 14 0 6A D1 State Champions
2021 Austin Westlake 16 0 6A D2 State Champions
2024 Lovejoy 10 4 5A D2 State quarterfinalist
Total 244 75 (76.5% winning percentage)

College

[edit]
Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
North Texas Mean Green (Sun Belt Conference) (2007–2010)
2007 North Texas 2–10 1–6 7th
2008 North Texas 1–11 0–7 8th
2009 North Texas 2–10 1–7 8th
2010 North Texas 1–6[n 1] 1–3[n 1] 8th
North Texas: 6–37 3–23
Total: 6–37

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Todd Dodge

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Todd Dodge (born July 21, 1963) is an coach and former player, widely regarded as one of the most successful coaches in history, with seven state championships and over 250 career wins as a . A native of , Dodge achieved stardom as a at the high school and levels before transitioning to , where he built powerhouse programs at Southlake Carroll High School and Austin Westlake High School, earning multiple National Coach of the Year honors. Currently the and athletic director at Lovejoy High School in , since 2024, Dodge's career also included a stint as head coach at the . Dodge's playing career began at Port Arthur Thomas Jefferson High School, where he starred as quarterback from 1977 to 1980, leading the Bulldogs to a 14-1 record and the Class 5A state championship game in his senior year. That season, he threw for a then-state record 3,135 yards—the first Texas high school quarterback to surpass 3,000 yards—earning Parade All-America honors, two-time Associated Press All-State Player of the Year selections, and the Hertz #1 Award as the state's top player. At the University of Texas from 1981 to 1985, Dodge served as the Longhorns' starting quarterback in 1983 (11–1 season) and 1984 (7–4–1 season), guiding the team to appearances in the Cotton Bowl and Freedom Bowl, respectively, while helping the program achieve a No. 1 national ranking early in 1983. Dodge entered coaching as an assistant at Texas high schools in the late 1980s, including stints at Rockwall and McKinney, and as quarterbacks and wide receivers coach at the in 1992. His head coaching debut came at Cameron Yoe High School (1994–1995), followed by positions at Carrollton Newman Smith High School (late 1990s) and Keller Fossil Ridge High School (1999). From 2000 to 2006 at Southlake Carroll, he compiled a 98–11 record, secured four Class 5A state titles (2002, 2004, 2005, 2006), and engineered a 48-game winning streak, with his teams twice named national champions by . Transitioning to college, Dodge posted a 6–37 record as head coach at (2007–2010) before serving as quarterbacks coach at the in 2011. Returning to high school football, he coached at Marble Falls High School (2012–2013), then revitalized Austin Westlake from 2014 to 2021, achieving an 88–13 mark, three consecutive Class 6A state championships (2019–2021), and a 40-game win streak. Among his notable protégés are NFL quarterbacks , , and . Dodge was inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2025.

Early life and playing career

Early life and high school

Todd Dodge was born on July 21, 1963, in Port Arthur, Texas. He grew up in Port Arthur along the Texas Gulf Coast, in a family led by his father, Don Dodge, a Methodist minister. Dodge's upbringing in this community fostered his early interest in football, where he developed as a standout player during his high school years. Dodge attended High School in Port Arthur, graduating in 1981, where he played as the starting during his junior and senior seasons in 1979 and 1980. As a senior in 1980, he threw for 3,135 yards, becoming the first player in football to surpass 3,000 passing yards in a season. That year, he earned recognition as the Texas High School Player of the Year and was named a All-American .

College playing career

Todd Dodge enrolled at the University of in 1981 after a standout high school career that earned him All-American honors as a and recognition as the top player in in 1980. As a freshman in 1981, Dodge saw limited action in 2 games, completing 1 of 2 passes for 3 yards and 1 interception while rushing once for 5 yards. As a in 1982, he served primarily as a backup under , appearing in nine games with limited action, completing 9 of 20 passes for 205 yards and no touchdowns while rushing for 3 yards and one score on eight carries. In 1983, as a junior, he shared starting duties with Rick McIvor and Rob Moerschell, playing in seven games and completing 12 of 30 passes for 185 yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions, alongside 13 rushes for -27 yards and one touchdown. That season, the Longhorns achieved an 11-1 record, winning the title undefeated before falling 10-9 to Georgia in the . Dodge took over as the primary starter in 1984, leading the team in 11 games with 100 completions on 210 attempts for 1,599 yards—tops in the Southwest Conference—11 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions, while rushing 59 times for 6 yards and two scores. His performance helped Texas to a 7-4-1 record, with a loss in the Freedom Bowl to Iowa. In his fifth year of 1985, Dodge appeared in nine games, completing 36 of 91 passes for 802 yards, five touchdowns, and nine interceptions, with 24 rushes for -103 yards. A highlight came in a 44-16 victory over Rice, where he threw for a then-school-record 359 yards on 11-of-19 passing, a mark that stood for 13 years. Over his five-year career from 1981 to 1985, Dodge appeared in 38 games, compiling 158 completions on 353 attempts for 2,794 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 34 interceptions at a 44.8% completion rate. He also rushed 105 times for -116 yards and four touchdowns, contributing to teams that competed in the during a period of transition under Akers. Dodge's 1984 passing yardage total remains a notable benchmark in his college tenure, underscoring his development as a pocket passer in an era emphasizing run-heavy offenses.

Playing records and honors

During his senior year at Port Arthur Jefferson High School in 1980, Todd Dodge set the Texas state record for single-season passing yards with 3,135, becoming the first high school in state history to surpass 3,000 yards in a season. He also established state records for most career completions (382) and most single-season completions (221), finishing his high school career with 5,642 passing yards. For his performance, Dodge earned Parade All-America honors as a and was recognized as the top player in that year. He was named to the all-state team in 1980 and selected as district offensive player of the year in both 1979 and 1980, while also participating in the 1981 Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Game. At the University of Texas, Dodge accumulated 2,794 career passing yards and 18 passes, ranking eighth in school history for both categories at the time of his graduation. In 1984, his senior season, he led the in passing yards with 1,599 and ranked second in conference (110.8). That year, he started 11 games, completing 100 of 210 passes for 11 s. Dodge's most notable single-game performance came on October 6, 1984, when he threw for 359 yards against , setting a then-University of Texas record for passing yards in a game. Dodge's high school single-season passing yards record stood until 1986, when Wilbur Odom of Holmes threw for 3,305 yards. His single-game mark of 359 yards endured for 13 years before being surpassed by James Brown, who passed for 397 yards against Tech in 1997. These achievements contributed to Dodge's later recognition, including his 2025 induction into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, which highlighted his playing accomplishments alongside his coaching career.

Coaching career

Early coaching positions

After graduating from the University of Texas in 1986, Todd Dodge entered the coaching profession as an assistant at in 1987, where he served as the quarterbacks and wide receivers coach under Bill Cron. During his one season there, the Yellowjackets advanced to the playoffs, providing Dodge his initial exposure to high school program building in the competitive Dallas-area landscape. Dodge continued in assistant roles through the late 1980s and early 1990s, honing his offensive philosophies. From 1988 to 1991, he worked as offensive coordinator at , where he first experimented with concepts that would later define his career, emphasizing quick passes and player mobility to counter defensive schemes. In 1992 and 1993, he transitioned to the collegiate level as an assistant coach at the , again focusing on quarterbacks and wide receivers, which allowed him to refine his coaching techniques amid a more structured environment. Dodge's first head coaching opportunity arrived in 1994 at C.H. Yoe High School in Cameron, , a Class 3A program in a rural setting. Over two seasons, he compiled an 8-12 record, with a 3-7 mark in 1994 followed by 5-5 in 1995, marking steady improvement in a program transitioning to his up-tempo style. Though the Yoemen did not reach the postseason under his tenure, the role offered critical experience in full program oversight, including recruiting, discipline, and adapting strategies to limited resources—key steps in his evolution from player to leader. This period underscored the of head coaching, as Dodge shifted from on-field execution to broader motivational and tactical responsibilities. After Yoe, Dodge served as head coach at Carrollton Newman Smith High School from 1996 to 1997, compiling a 13–17 record. He then moved to from 1998 to 1999, where he posted a 17–13–1 record and led the team to playoff appearances in both seasons.

Southlake Carroll (2000–2006)

Todd Dodge was hired as of the Southlake Carroll Dragons in 2000, tasked with revitalizing a program that had enjoyed dominance in Class 3A with state championships in 1988, 1992, and 1993, but had struggled after moving up to Class 4A in 1994, where its legendary 72-game regular-season win streak ended. The Dragons had not achieved the same level of success in the larger classification, prompting the search for a coach who could adapt to the heightened competition in Class 5A. Dodge, drawing from his earlier experience as an , brought a fresh approach that aligned with the community's high expectations for football excellence. During his seven-year tenure from 2000 to 2006, Dodge compiled an impressive 98–11 overall record, leading the Dragons to four Class 5A state championships in 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2006. His teams reached the state finals every year from 2002 to 2006, though they fell short in 2003 with a narrow 16–15 loss to Katy in the championship game, preventing a potential fifth consecutive title appearance. A hallmark of this era was a 48-game winning streak that began after the 2003 defeat and extended through the 2006 season, showcasing the program's sustained dominance and setting a benchmark for Texas high school football. Dodge's success stemmed from his innovative implementation of a no-huddle spread offense, which emphasized quick tempo, passing efficiency, and player versatility in a state traditionally focused on run-heavy schemes. This system not only maximized the talents of skilled athletes but also facilitated rapid player development, producing four Class 5A offensive players of the year, including quarterbacks Chase Daniel (2004, who later became a Heisman Trophy finalist at Missouri and played in the NFL) and Dodge's son Riley (2006). Other notable recruits, such as quarterback Greg McElroy (who led Alabama to a national title) and linemen who advanced to Division I programs, highlighted the emphasis on discipline, technique, and college preparation within the program. Dodge's teams were twice recognized as national champions by outlets like Parade Magazine (2004) and the National Prep Football Poll (2005), underscoring the offensive firepower that averaged high-scoring outputs while maintaining defensive solidity. Following the 2006 state championship victory, Dodge departed Southlake Carroll to become the at the , leaving behind a transformed program that had elevated the Dragons to perennial powerhouses in 5A football. His tenure not only restored the program's glory but also established a blueprint for modern high school offenses in the state.

University of North Texas (2007–2010)

Todd Dodge was hired as head football coach at the (UNT) in December 2006, following a highly successful tenure at Southlake Carroll High School where he had compiled a 98–11 record over seven years (2000–2006), including four state championships. The appointment generated significant excitement, as UNT sought to revitalize its program in the Sun Belt Conference by bringing in a proven winner known for his innovative . Dodge signed a five-year contract and assembled a staff with experience in high school and college ranks, aiming to install a high-tempo, pass-oriented system tailored to his previous successes. In his debut season of , Dodge led UNT to a 2-10 overall record and 1-6 in play, marking a challenging transition to the college level. The team averaged 24.8 points per game but struggled defensively, allowing 48.1 points on average, and the offense surrendered 39 sacks, highlighting protection issues in the spread scheme. Off-field controversies arose early, including allegations of racial by a suspended player against Dodge and his staff, which were investigated by the university and the but ultimately cleared in November 2007. The 2008 campaign proved even tougher, with UNT finishing 1-11 overall and 0-7 in conference play, the team's sole victory coming in a 35-23 upset over Louisiana-Monroe. Dodge's continued to show flashes of potential but faltered against stronger opponents, as the Mean Green managed just 20 points per game while conceding 47.6. Recruiting efforts focused on Texas high school talent, but the program grappled with depth and talent gaps compared to conference peers. By 2009, Dodge's third year, the record improved marginally to 2-10 overall and 1-7 in the Sun Belt, with wins including a 31-21 non-conference victory over Ball State and a 38-37 thriller against . The offense, now featuring Dodge's son Riley at , averaged 26.6 points but the defense remained porous at 35.6 points allowed. Additional off-field issues surfaced, such as 15 players testing positive for marijuana in a random ordered by Dodge, further straining team discipline. Despite these hurdles, Dodge persisted with the spread system, attempting adjustments like emphasizing quicker releases to mitigate sack totals, though results were inconsistent due to personnel limitations. Entering 2010 with pressure mounting for improvement, Dodge secured UNT's strongest recruiting class of his tenure, signing eight three-star prospects on . However, the season started disastrously at 1-6, with the win coming in a 41-38 overtime defeat of in non-conference play. The averaged 22.4 points in those games, but defensive lapses and turnovers persisted. On October 20, 2010—during a bye week—UNT Rick fired Dodge, citing the need for a change to advance the program; his overall record stood at 6-37. Dodge's tenure at UNT underscored the challenges of adapting high school coaching strategies to , particularly in talent acquisition, staff experience, and schematic flexibility against more physical opponents. The program's persistent struggles—winning just two conference games in four years—left a lasting impact, prompting a coaching search that emphasized college-level expertise. Dodge later reflected on the experience as a valuable lesson in program-building at the Division I level, though it marked a stark contrast to his high school achievements.

University of Pittsburgh (2011)

In January 2011, Todd Dodge joined the as quarterbacks coach under new head coach , who had assembled a revamped staff following Dave Wannstedt's resignation. Dodge, coming off a challenging head coaching stint at the , was tasked with developing the Panthers' quarterback room in a program transitioning to a more up-tempo, spread-oriented offense influenced by Graham's previous schemes at Tulsa and Oklahoma State. The 2011 Pittsburgh offense, operating in the competitive Big East Conference against teams like West Virginia and Cincinnati, averaged 350.1 total yards per game, including 209.8 passing yards and 140.3 rushing yards, while scoring 24.2 points per game across 13 contests. Starting quarterback Tino Sunseri, whom Dodge initially viewed skeptically but later praised for his arm strength and leadership potential, threw for 2,616 yards and 10 touchdowns, ranking third in the Big East in passing efficiency despite 15 interceptions and frequent sacks due to protection breakdowns and decision-making delays. Backup Trey Anderson also showed progress under Dodge's guidance, providing depth amid injuries, while running back Ray Graham contributed 958 rushing yards to balance the attack. These efforts helped the Panthers achieve a 6-6 regular-season record and bowl eligibility, though offensive inconsistencies—exacerbated by quarterback transitions and a steep learning curve in the conference—limited explosive plays, with the team struggling in losses to ranked opponents like No. 16 South Florida. Following the regular season, head coach abruptly resigned for the Arizona State job, creating instability on the staff just before the BBVA Compass Bowl, which lost 28-7 to SMU. Dodge departed after the single season, citing a desire to return to the high school level in where he had built his reputation, opting for a head coaching role at Marble Falls High School to focus on player development in a more familiar environment.

Marble Falls (2012–2013) and Austin Westlake (2014–2018)

Following a one-year stint as quarterbacks coach at the in 2011, Todd Dodge returned to Texas high school football amid instability in the college ranks, as Todd Graham departed for and the new staff opted not to retain him. Dodge was hired as and athletic director at Marble Falls High School on January 23, 2012, motivated by a desire to reclaim the hands-on success and community impact he had experienced earlier in his career at the high school level, particularly after his challenging four-year tenure at the (2007–2010). At Marble Falls, a Class 4A program that had posted a 3–7 record the prior season, Dodge aimed to rebuild through his innovative no-huddle , focusing on development and overall program structure. Dodge's two seasons at Marble Falls yielded an 8–12 overall record, with 4–6 marks in both 2012 and 2013, including a 1–5 district finish each year in District 25-4A. Despite the sub-.500 results, he instilled foundational improvements, such as enhancing offensive production—exemplified by Mike Richardson setting a then-state single-game passing record of 734 yards in 2012—and guiding the Mustangs to their first playoff berth since 2009 in 2013, where they fell 45–41 to Dripping Springs in a bi-district thriller. These efforts laid the groundwork for player growth amid a rebuilding phase, though the program struggled with talent depth and scheduling challenges in a competitive district. In April 2014, Dodge transitioned to Austin Westlake High School, a perennial power in Class 6A, replacing Darren Allman and inheriting a roster with strong athletic potential. Over the subsequent five seasons through 2018, he engineered a 59–12 record, achieving district championships annually in Districts 14-6A (2014–2015) and 25-6A (2016–2018), with consistent playoff qualifications each year. Notable deep playoff runs included a state championship appearance in 2015 (14–21 overtime loss to Galena Park North Shore), a quarterfinal exit in 2016, and semifinal finishes in both 2017 and 2018, showcasing defensive resilience and explosive passing attacks led by quarterbacks like . Dodge's schemes, refined from his college experiences, emphasized balanced development, blending high-tempo offense with physical run games to elevate team performance without a state title during this span. Throughout this period, Dodge cultivated a program culture prioritizing holistic athlete growth, including academics and long-term development, influenced by his prior efforts at where he boosted team graduation rates and academic progress. At Westlake, this manifested in structured quarterback pipelines from feeder middle schools, skill-specific training, and a focus on off-field maturity to prepare players for college opportunities, resulting in multiple signees to Division I programs. By 2018, with a cumulative 67–24 mark across both stops from 2012 onward, Dodge had reestablished steady contention, setting the stage for further elevation while maintaining an emphasis on character alongside competition.

Austin Westlake (2019–2021)

Todd Dodge initially joined Austin Westlake High School as head coach in 2014, building the program steadily before reaching its pinnacle from 2019 to 2021. During this peak period, Dodge led the Chaparrals to three consecutive undefeated or near-undefeated seasons and Class 6A state championships, compiling a remarkable 42-1 record across those years. In 2019, Westlake finished 15-1, securing the 6A Division I title with a 35-21 victory over Allen High School. The 2020 season saw a perfect 13-0 mark amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, culminating in a 52-34 win over Southlake Carroll in the championship game, a matchup dubbed the "Dodge Bowl" due to Dodge's son Riley coaching the opposing team. Westlake capped the three-peat in 2021 with a 16-0 record, defeating Denton Guyer 40-21 for the program's fourth state title under Dodge and his seventh overall as a head coach. This run marked the first in 6A history, elevating Westlake to unprecedented dominance in the state's largest classification and solidifying Dodge's legacy as an architect of elite spread offenses. Dodge's system emphasized development and explosive passing attacks, producing standout talents during this era. Notably, , who earned Texas Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2021, thrived under Dodge's guidance, throwing for over 5,000 yards and 64 touchdowns in his senior season while leading the team to the final title; Klubnik later became a top college recruit at Clemson and an emerging NFL prospect. Earlier in the , Kirkland Michaux exemplified Dodge's QB in 2019, passing for key playoff performances en route to the championship. The championships built on Dodge's prior experience at Colleyville Heritage, where consistent playoff appearances honed his strategies for high-stakes success. Following the 2021 title, Dodge announced his retirement from coaching at age 58, concluding a career that included seven state championships and over 230 high school wins, though he would return to the sideline in 2024.

Lovejoy (2024–present)

After a two-year retirement following his tenure at Austin Westlake High School, Todd Dodge was hired in January 2024 as head football coach and athletic director at High School in . His extensive legacy, including three consecutive Class 6A state championships at Westlake from 2018 to 2020, positioned him as a transformative hire for the program. In his inaugural 2024 season, Dodge led the Lovejoy Leopards to an 11–4 overall record and a 7–1 district mark in Class 5A Division II, overcoming an 0–2 start to win 10 of their next 11 games. The team advanced deep into the playoffs, defeating Del Valle 45–21 in the area round and Anna 52–49 in the regional semifinals before falling 42–17 to Argyle in the regional finals. Dodge emphasized building a competitive culture from the outset, fostering high expectations for playoff contention in a program aiming to elevate its postseason presence. The 2025 season concluded with a 6–4 regular-season record and 5–3 district standing, placing fourth in District 4-5A Division II. Key regular-season results included a 49–0 victory over on November 7, a 35–28 win against Denison on October 31, a narrow 29–26 loss to Walnut Grove on October 23, and a 39–38 thriller over Emerson on October 16. In the playoffs, lost 0–56 to Argyle in the bi-district round on November 14, finishing 6–5 overall. In March 2025, announced his intention to retire following the conclusion of the 2025 season, marking the end of his coaching career at . Despite the mixed regular-season performance, has continued to instill a foundation of discipline and playoff readiness, drawing on his championship experience to prepare the team for potential postseason opportunities.

Personal life

Dodge has been married to Elizabeth Dodge (née Neptune) since approximately 1986. Elizabeth is the daughter of Ebbie Neptune, the longtime and head football coach at Austin Westlake High School. The couple has two children: son , a coach, and daughter Molly Dodge. As of 2024, they have five grandchildren; Riley and his wife Alexis have four children, while Molly has one. Following his 2021 retirement from Westlake, Dodge and his wife resided in , about 50 miles northwest of Austin.

Head coaching record

High school

Todd Dodge's high school head coaching career began in 1994 and has included stints at multiple programs, where he has amassed an overall record of 265–79 through November 11, 2025, for a of .770. He has secured seven state championships in total during his tenure at Southlake Carroll and Austin Westlake. The following table summarizes Dodge's head coaching statistics by school, including yearly records where available, cumulative school records, playoff appearances, and deepest postseason run per school. Data is drawn from verified season results and excludes college coaching. Playoff records are included where they establish key context for postseason success. Note: 2025 Lovejoy record updated to reflect games through November 16, 2025 (6–5).
SchoolYearsYearly RecordsCumulative School RecordPlayoff AppearancesPlayoff RecordDeepest Run
Cameron Yoe High School19943–73–700–0N/A
Carrollton Newman Smith High School1996–19971996: 4–6
1997: 5–5		9–1100–0N/A
Keller Fossil Ridge High School1998–19991998: 2–7
1999: 5–5		7–1200–0N/A
Southlake Carroll High School2000–20062000: 9–5
2001: 10–5
2002: 16–0
2003: 15–1
2004: 16–0
2005: 16–0
2006: 16–0		98–11747–3State Championship (2002, 2004, 2005, 2006); State Runner-Up (2003)
Marble Falls High School2012–20132012: 4–6
2013: 4–5		8–1111–1Area Round (2012)
Austin Westlake High School2014–20212014: 6–5
2015: 14–1
2016: 10–3
2017: 12–1
2018: 13–2
2019: 15–1
2020: 16–0
2021: 16–0		104–11826–5State Championship (2019, 2020, 2021)
Lovejoy High School2024–present2024: 11–4
2025 (partial, as of Nov. 16): 6–5		17–922–2Regional Final (2024)

College

Todd Dodge served as head football coach at the (UNT) from 2007 to 2010, where he implemented his but faced significant challenges transitioning from high school to the collegiate level. His tenure ended prematurely when he was fired midway through the 2010 season after a 1–6 start. Dodge compiled an overall record of 6–37 at UNT, the lowest in the program's major college history. In play, his teams went 3–25, finishing no higher than seventh in the league standings during his full seasons. The Mean Green made no appearances under Dodge. The year-by-year results under Dodge were as follows:
YearOverall RecordConference Record (Sun Belt)Notes
20072–101–7Finished 7th in Sun Belt
20081–110–8Finished 8th in Sun Belt
20092–101–7Finished 7th in Sun Belt
20101–61–3Fired after seven games; no bowl
Sources for table data: Dodge's signature spread offense, successful at the high school level, did not yield consistent results at UNT, with the team averaging approximately 22 points per game across his tenure while struggling with defensive vulnerabilities that allowed over 40 points per game on average. Following his dismissal, Dodge briefly served as quarterbacks coach at the University of Pittsburgh in 2011.

References

  1. https://www.museumofthegulfcoast.org/todd-dodge
  2. https://www.texasfootball.com/hof-todd-dodge
  3. https://www.tshof.org/store/p489/Todd_Dodge.html
  4. https://www.espn.com/blog/dallas/high-school/post/_/id/10696/todd-dodge-is-marble-falls-new-football-coach
  5. https://www.texasfootball.com/article/2024/01/27/todd-dodge-returns-to-txhsfb-as-lovejoy-head-coach
  6. https://www.footballscoop.com/2025/03/03/todd-dodge-lucas-lovejoy-comeback
  7. https://www.texasmonthly.com/being-texan/todd-dodge-football-feature/
  8. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/texas/1983-schedule.html
  9. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/texas/1984-schedule.html
  10. https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2014/05/08/todd-dodge-through-the-years/9877313007/
  11. https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-texas-coaching-texas-longhorns-football-daeb4357f38a2005c030cc31d7f90b9b
  12. https://www.espn.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/30333/todd-dodge-out-at-north-texas
  13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5lJn_gLX94
  14. https://coachad.com/articles/friday-night-lights/
  15. https://panews.com/2021/01/15/101534/
  16. https://texashsfootball.com/todd-dodge-the-player-and-the-coach/
  17. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/todd-dodge-1.html
  18. https://texaslonghorns.com/news/2005/1/27/012705aaa_330
  19. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/swc/1984-leaders.html
  20. https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2014/08/20/football-dodge-city-texas/9953113007/
  21. https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2012/01/21/todd-dodge-expected-to-take/6687622007/
  22. https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/high_school/article/Best-of-the-best-High-school-quarterbacks-662133.php
  23. https://stats.texassports.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/stats/97/ut-ttu.htm
  24. https://texaslonghorns.com/news/2024/10/25/t-association-trio-of-longhorns-selected-for-induction-into-the-texas-sports-hall-of-fame
  25. https://panews.com/2022/11/11/dodge-reflects-on-stellar-coaching-career-ahead-of-induction/
  26. https://lonestargridiron.com/2024/01/dodge-to-take-over-at-lovejoy/
  27. https://www.footballscoop.com/2025/03/04/todd-dodge-farewell
  28. https://southlakehistory.org/history-of-southlake/dragon-football/
  29. https://www.panews.com/2022/11/11/dodge-reflects-on-stellar-coaching-career-ahead-of-induction/
  30. https://www.texasfootball.com/hof-todd-dodge?ref=search
  31. https://texashsfootball.com/no-one-could-slay-the-dragons-48-0-and-a-three-peat-southlake-carroll/
  32. https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/college/article3855953.html
  33. https://www.espn.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/42885/todd-dodge-making-way-outside-texas-2
  34. https://www.southlakestyle.com/dragon-pride/fall/the-first-all-decade-team/
  35. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2010/10/20/n-texas-fires-former-prep-coach-dodge/
  36. https://meangreensports.com/news/2007/1/14/Dodge_Completes_Coaching_Staff
  37. https://www.gomeangreen.com/forums/topic/37531-unt-completes-dodge-investigation-official-notice/
  38. https://www.ahsfhs.org/college/teams2/coaches.asp?Coach=Todd%20Dodge&Team=North%20Texas
  39. https://ulmwarhawks.com/sports/football/opponent-history/university-of-north-texas/132
  40. https://www.espn.com/college-football/game/_/gameId/293040249/western-ky-north-texas
  41. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/342002-the-fate-of-todd-dodge-and-staff-rest-in-the-hands-of-mike-canales
  42. https://www.nbcdfw.com/local/unt-fires-head-football-coach-todd-dodge/2114394/
  43. https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/unt-mean-green/2010/10/21/unt-fires-football-coach-todd-dodge/
  44. https://www.underdogdynasty.com/2015/2/27/8119277/north-texas-retrospective-the-todd-dodge-years
  45. https://www.meangreennation.com/p/todd-dodge-fired
  46. https://www.espn.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/38332/todd-graham-adds-to-pittsburgh-staff
  47. https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pitt-football/2011/01/19/Pitt-s-Graham-nearly-completes-his-staff/stories/201101190151
  48. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/pittsburgh/2011.html
  49. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/tino-sunseri-1.html
  50. https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pitt-football/2011/08/17/Taking-a-deeper-look-Sunseri-Deeper-look-pays-dividends/stories/201108170231
  51. https://247sports.com/college/pittsburgh/article/pantherdigest-qa-todd-dodge-104831396/
  52. https://www.syracuse.com/sports/2011/09/big_east_football_links_pittsb.html
  53. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3713382/2022/10/21/college-football-graham-sherman-neuheisel/
  54. https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2012/01/24/todd-dodge-brings-winning-ways/6698079007/
  55. https://www.dailytrib.com/2012/03/28/todd-dodge-says-hes-back-in-high-school-comfort-zone-at-marble-falls/
  56. https://www.maxpreps.com/tx/marble-falls/marble-falls-mustangs/football/history/
  57. https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/Marble-Falls-QB-sets-state-record-3885201.php
  58. https://www.dailytrib.com/2013/10/31/first-stop-marble-falls-footballs-playoff-road-dripping-springs/
  59. https://lonestargridiron.com/schools/austin-westlake/
  60. https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2016/09/24/todd-dodge-one-year-later/9855041007/
  61. https://www.ntdaily.com/archives/dodge-a-class-act-until-the-end/article_463a1876-3934-518f-8ae9-896fd433f236.html
  62. https://coachesinsider.com/football/quarterback-development-plan-with-todd-dodge-westlake-high-school-tx/
  63. https://www.kvue.com/article/sports/todd-dodge-hired-at-westlake/269-259375909
  64. https://www.texasfootball.com/articles/article/default.aspx?url=2021%252F12%252F24%252Fwestlake-sidebar
  65. https://www.uiltexas.org/football/state-team/austin-westlake-2019-2020-football
  66. https://www.uiltexas.org/football/state-team/austin-westlake-2020-2021-football
  67. https://www.si.com/high-school/news/2022/02/08/westlakes-cade-klubnik-todd-dodge-named-sblives-texas-high-school-football-player-and-coach-of-the-year
  68. https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/todd-dodge-westlake-state-champions/
  69. https://www.todddodgefootballcamps.com/legacy
  70. https://www.maxpreps.com/news/mG91ImD6GUqKfocoPYGLRw/texas-high-school-football-todd-dodge-of-austin-westlake-to-retire-at-end-of-2021-season.htm
  71. https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/high-school/hs-football/lovejoy-hire-todd-dodge-football-coach-athletic-director/287-cfe0c103-5e6a-4864-a986-9149690c4bad
  72. https://www.texasfootball.com/article/2024/01/27/todd-dodge-returns-to-txhsfb-as-lovejoy-head-coach?ref=article_preview_img
  73. https://austinsportsjournal.com/2024/01/27/tood-dodge-hired-at-lucas-lovejoy/
  74. https://www.maxpreps.com/tx/lucas/lovejoy-leopards/football/history/
  75. https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/sports/high-school/2024/11/23/turnovers-hurt-del-valle-ending-loss-to-lovejoy-in-2024-texas-uil-football-playoffs-el-paso/76486844007/
  76. https://www.dallasnews.com/high-school-sports/football/2024/11/29/lovejoy-wins-latest-shootout-with-district-rival-anna-advances-to-regional-final-game/
  77. https://www.dallasnews.com/high-school-sports/football/2024/12/06/argyle-convincingly-dispatches-lovejoy-will-face-south-oak-cliff-in-state-semifinal/
  78. https://www.dallasnews.com/high-school-sports/football/2025/08/11/lovejoy-is-setting-expectations-high-in-its-second-season-under-legendary-coach-todd-dodge/
  79. https://www.maxpreps.com/tx/lucas/lovejoy-leopards/football/
  80. https://www.statesman.com/story/sports/high-school/2021/12/18/todd-dodge-retiring-westlake-football-championship-form/6509403001/
  81. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/college/sooners/2007/08/31/football-a-way-of-life-for-the-dodge-family/61726221007/
  82. https://www.dallasnews.com/high-school-sports/football/2024/04/15/why-coaches-like-todd-dodge-returned-to-texas-high-school-football-after-brief-retirement/
  83. https://www.maxpreps.com/tx/lucas/lovejoy-leopards/football/24-25/schedule/
  84. https://www.lonestarfootball.net/team.asp?T=1128&B=1321&REC=11-2-0&S=
  85. https://lonestarfootball.net/team.asp?T=1325&S=1996
  86. https://www.uiltexas.org/football/state-team/austin-westlake-2015-2016-football
  87. https://texashsfootball.com/legendary-coach-todd-dodge-chasing-another-championship/
  88. https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/unt-fires-former-southlake-carroll-football-coach/287-338203568
  89. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-texas/2007.html
  90. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-texas/2008.html
  91. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-texas/2009.html
  92. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/todd-dodge-1.html
  93. https://fbschedules.com/2010-north-texas-football-schedule/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.