Carroll Independent School District has begun its search for a new head football coach and athletic director following the departure of Riley Dodge, who announced on Christmas Eve that he was leaving Carroll to join the SMU football staff.
In a statement released to the community, Cam Bryan, President of the Carroll ISD Board of Trustees, said the district is committed to a deliberate and transparent hiring process.
“This is an important decision, and the Board is committed to conducting a thoughtful, transparent and thorough search,” Bryan said.
Interviews for the head football coaching position are expected to begin within the next week. A hiring committee that includes district administrators, trustees and community representatives has been formed, with Bryan and Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Glenn actively involved. To protect the integrity of the process, the remaining committee members will remain anonymous.
Bryan said the district has received a “diverse and highly qualified pool of applicants from across the country,” and the goal is to have a head football coach in place by March 1. District leaders emphasized they will not rush the decision if more time is needed to find the right fit.
The district also confirmed it will decouple the head football coach and athletic director positions. The athletic director search will begin after a head football coach has been selected.
Dodge departs Carroll after an accomplished tenure that spanned eight seasons as head coach. During that time, the Dragons compiled a record of more than 90 wins, captured multiple district championships, reached at least the regional final round of the playoffs six times and advanced to the Class 6A Division I state championship game in 2018. Under his leadership, Carroll consistently ranked among the state’s top programs while sending dozens of players on to play college football.
Community members with questions about the process are encouraged to contact Bryan or Dr. Glenn directly.