In the landscape of Texas football, few names will carry a legacy as enduring as Riley Dodge.
From his early days as a record-setting quarterback at Carroll High School to a decade-long run leading the Dragons from the sideline, Dodge’s journey has been defined by championships, sustained excellence and a deep commitment to developing young men on and off the field.
Now, that journey enters a new chapter.
With his recent hiring at Southern Methodist University as passing game coordinator and tight ends coach, Dodge makes the jump to Division I college football, bridging the tradition of Texas high school greatness with the strategic demands of the college game, and further cementing his place among the state’s most respected offensive minds.
What follows is a look back at the milestones that shaped Dodge’s rise — from Dragon quarterback to Dragon head coach, and now to the collegiate ranks.
2004 – 2007: Dragon Quarterback and State Champion
2004: Dodge arrived at Carroll already steeped in football tradition, the son of legendary coach Todd Dodge. Initially a backup, he quickly emerged as a dynamic offensive leader.
2005 – 2007: As a starter, Dodge became one of the most prolific quarterbacks in Texas high school history — throwing for over 7,000 career yards and more than 90 touchdowns.
2006: He led Carroll to an undefeated season and a UIL Class 5A state championship, earning Texas High School Player of the Year, MaxPreps National Player of the Year, and numerous other honors.
2007: In his senior year, Dodge repeated as Player of the Year and was named a Parade All-American, capping a legendary prep career with multiple state titles and near-mythic status among Carroll fans.
2008 – 2012: NCAA Snaps and Early Coaching Roots
2008 – 2010: Dodge’s collegiate career began at the University of North Texas – where his father was head coach – and competed at quarterback and wide receiver while earning Sun Belt All-Conference honors.
2011 – 2012: Dodge transferred to McNeese State University where he concluded his NCAA playing career.
After graduation, Dodge transitioned smoothly into coaching — first as a quality control quarterbacks coach at the University of Texas, then as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Marcus High School in Flower Mound.
2018: Homecoming
March 2018: At just 29 years old, Dodge returned home, accepting the head coaching job at his alma mater — a role that thrust him into leadership of one of Texas’s most storied high school football programs.
2018 – 2025: Coaching Dominance
Over eight seasons, Dodge’s teams consistently dominated.
An overall record of 108–10, one of the best winning percentages in Texas history.
Five regional titles and two appearances in UIL state championship games, coming up short in both.
Named Tom Landry Coach of the Year (2019) and Texas 6A Coach of the Year (2020) for his early success.
October 2025: Against rival Eaton, Dodge reached a major milestone — his 100th career coaching victory. He became the second-fastest coach in Texas history to reach 100 wins, doing so in just over eight seasons.
2024: Expanded Leadership Role
September 2024: In addition to his coaching duties, Dodge was named Executive Director of Athletics for Carroll ISD, becoming the first person in decades to serve as both head coach and athletic director for the school district.
December 2025: Next Stop, SMU
December 24, 2025: In a move that marks a new phase in his career, Dodge announced via social media that he will be leaving Carroll to join the coaching staff at Southern Methodist University as Passing Game Coordinator and Tight Ends Coach under Head Coach Rhett Lashlee.
This transition represents a significant jump to Division I college football, where Dodge’s offensive expertise, recruiting ties across Texas, and reputation for developing quarterbacks and playmakers will be central to SMU’s strategy on offense and in the portal era.
Dodge said his time in Southlake will “always be a part of who I am,” expressing gratitude for the community that shaped his life from player to coach.