UNT football coach dispels rumors of leaving

by Keith MacPherson of North Texas Daily

When Derek Long, former athletic director and head football coach of Austin Westlake High School, retired last month, rumors swirled on whom his successor might be.

One of the names brought up was Mean Green football head coach Todd Dodge. A poll by the Austin American-Statesman had Dodge as the second leading possible coach to most likely be Westlake's next head coach.

Yesterday Dodge dispelled those rumors in a prepared statement to the Daily.

"Although it is flattering to know that my body of work as a head coach is respected enough to be mentioned when openings like this arise, I am totally committed to the University of North Texas and rebuilding this football program," Dodge said.

Dodge also said that he would return next year as head coach and looks forward to the challenges ahead.

"I am dedicated to returning Mean Green football to a place of prominence in the Sun Belt Conference and making this team a subject of pride for all of the students, alumni and fans," he said.

Al Bennett, assistant athletic director at Austin Westlake, said he believes that Dodge applying for the job would be unlikely.

"I think it would be far-fetched to think he would come down here," Bennett said. "We can't offer the type of money [UNT] is paying him now."

Dodge was hired to replace former head coach Darrell Dickey in December of 2006. His contract with UNT runs until August of 2012.

He has close ties to Austin Westlake as his father-in-law, Ebbie Neptune, spent 21 years as athletic director at the high school before retiring in 2003.