Retirement did not last long for one Texas high school football coaching legend.
Three years ago, Todd Dodge was walking off into retirement after leading the Westlake Chaparrals to their third consecutive state championship.
But, the retirement of the ole’ ball coach did not last long. Todd Dodge has been named the new Head Football Coach and Athletic Director of the Lovejoy Leopards.
We are #LovejoyProud to welcome Coach Dodge to Lovejoy ISD! We appreciate the parents, staff, and community members that joined us this morning at the special board meeting, press conference, and meet and greet! #KidsComeFirst #OneHeartOneLovejoy #LegacyofExcellence #TeamLovejoy pic.twitter.com/MQrwHsPCjc
— Lovejoy ISD (@lovejoyisd1) January 27, 2024
Dodge is one of the greatest coaches in the history of Texas high school football. Dodge led the Southlake Carroll Dragons to four state championships in five years and had a 48-game win streak in the process. He then moved on to coach the Austin Westlake Chaparrals and led them to three state championships.
In his time as a head coach, Dodge has a 71-8 record in the state playoffs. He was named the 6A Coach of the Year five times, and he was named the National Coach of the Year four times.
As the new Lovejoy coach, Dodge is taking over a 5A Division II program that went 12-2 this year and was 7-0 in District 7-5A. Their two losses came to North Crowley and, in the playoffs, to the South Oak Cliff Golden Bears. While Lovejoy has made the playoffs 14 times in school history, they have yet to make a state championship game appearance.
While the itch to get back to coaching was strong, Dodge shared that the opportunity was perfect for him because he’ll be within 20 minutes of his family, which includes is son and Southlake Carroll Head Coach, Riley Dodge. Dodge will also have his five grandchildren, his daughter Molly, and his mother-in-law all in the area as he coaches the Lovejoy Leopards in Lucas, Texas.
With Dodge on the sideline, the first-ever state title game appearance for Lovejoy may come soon.
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