Rodney Southern is heading back to Copperas Cove—this time in charge.
Copperas Cove ISD announced Southern as its new head football coach and athletic director, bringing him back to the place where he first started climbing the coaching ladder nearly 30 years ago.
“Cove is where I learned to coach at a high level,” Southern said. “It molded me as a leader and helped me get my first head job. Now I’m back to build something even better.”
Southern spent the last 11 seasons at Huntsville, racking up an 80-46 record, three district titles, and two regional final appearances. Before that, he led programs at Marshall and Belton, and even made back-to-back state title runs with Marshall in 2004 and 2005.
His connection to Copperas Cove runs deep. He was part of Jack Welch’s staff from 1994 to 2001, starting as a linebackers coach before taking over as defensive coordinator. Now, after a brief stint exploring college coaching, he’s coming home.
Copperas Cove went 4-6 last year and hasn’t made the playoffs since 2018. But the district believes Southern is the right person to change that.
“We’re excited to have Coach Southern return,” Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins said. “He’s a proven leader with deep ties to this community.”
Southern is set to begin his new role on Monday. From linebacker coach to head coach and AD, the story has come full circle for one of Central Texas’ most experienced football minds.
