Southlake has another reason to be proud. Former Dragon head football coach and current Austin Westlake coach Todd Dodge, who retired this season after winning his seventh state championship, was named the 2021 National Coach Of The Year by High School Football America, Coach Of The Year by the All-American Bowl and 2021 MaxPreps National High School Football Coach of the Year by MaxPreps.com.
“There’s no doubt that high school football is losing an offensive innovator and trailblazer,” Jeff Fisher, co-founder of High School Football America, says via its website. “Coach Dodge’s success goes beyond the playing field. He leaves the coaching profession on top of his game and we’re proud to honor him with our Coach of the Year Award.”
During his time in Southlake from 2000 to 2007, coach Dodge had four undefeated championship seasons with a 98-11 overall record. He returned to high school coaching with the Austin Westlake Chaparrals in 2014, with this season marking his third straight state championship win with the team.