Kerry Hyder Jr. is trading his helmet for a headset. The former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman is the new head football coach at Bishop Dunne Catholic School in Dallas, taking over a once-proud program that’s looking for a reset.
Before making it to the NFL, Hyder was a standout at Lyndon B. Johnson High School in Austin. He was a three-star recruit who chose Texas Tech, where he went on to earn All-Big 12 honors in 2012 and 2013. From there, he carved out an eight-year NFL career, suiting up for teams like the Cowboys, Lions, 49ers, Seahawks, and Texans, racking up 22 career sacks and 163 tackles.
Now, he’s stepping into his first head coaching role—and it’s a challenge. Bishop Dunne went 0-10 in 2024 and enters the 2025 season on a 13-game losing streak. The Falcons haven’t had a winning season since 2022 and were outscored 365-83 last fall. But the school has a rich football tradition, including state titles in 2014 and 2018, and hopes Hyder can help restore that championship standard.
But this isn’t just about football. “He’s a man that embodies our school’s core values,” said Bishop Dunne assistant principal Michael Alfers. “He wants to develop young men both on and off the field.”
Hyder replaces Draak Davis, last year’s interim coach, and takes over a roster with returning playmakers like Cordae Cleveland-Brown, Noah Williams, and Tobias Whitley—young talent with potential.
With NFL knowledge, Texas roots, and a fresh perspective, Hyder brings a unique edge to the job. It’s a fresh start for the Falcons—and for Coach Hyder.
