Riley Dodge’s Big Leap From Texas High School Legend to ACC Coaching Staff
One of the most respected names in Texas high school football is officially making the jump to the college level, and it’s a move that has been quietly building for some time. Riley Dodge, the longtime head coach at Southlake Carroll, is leaving his alma mater to join the coaching staff at SMU, stepping into an assistant role that places him directly on an ACC program’s sideline.
The announcement was shared by Dodge himself on social media just before Christmas, and it didn’t take long for the news to spread across Texas football circles. It was later confirmed that Dodge will serve as SMU’s tight ends coach and pass-game coordinator, filling a key role on the Mustangs’ offensive staff. While SMU has yet to make an official statement, the move has already been widely accepted as a major win for the program.
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Dodge leaves Southlake Carroll after another dominant season. The Dragons finished 14–1, reaching the UIL Class 6A Division II state semifinals before falling to eventual champion DeSoto in a high-scoring thriller. Along the way, Dodge recorded the 100th win of his head coaching career, a milestone that was achieved in emphatic fashion during a blowout regular-season victory over Eaton.
By the time his tenure ended, his résumé spoke for itself. An overall record of 108–10, seven district championships, six state semifinal appearances, and two trips to the state title game were compiled under his leadership. Five undefeated regular seasons were also delivered, reinforcing just how consistent the program had been. That level of success wasn’t built overnight, but rather through years of culture, discipline, and elite player development.
Southlake Carroll wasn’t just winning games under Dodge; it was producing college-ready talent. His rosters featured numerous Division I prospects, and over the years he coached future stars who would go on to play at the highest levels of college football and beyond. That ability to prepare players for the next step is one of the reasons his transition to the college ranks feels so natural.
For Dodge, the move carries deep emotional weight. Southlake Carroll isn’t just another job on his résumé. It’s his hometown, his alma mater, and the place where he once starred as a quarterback under his father, legendary coach Todd Dodge. Leaving that legacy behind wasn’t easy, but the opportunity to test himself on a bigger stage was clearly calling.
As SMU prepares for its upcoming bowl game and continues its push in the ACC, Riley Dodge arrives with credibility, experience, and a proven winning mindset. For Texas high school football, it’s another reminder that its sidelines remain one of the strongest pipelines to the college game.
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