John BlessingHigh school football is more than a sport in Texas. It is a cultural institution, a source of community pride, and in many towns, the biggest show in town. The head football coach is often the highest-paid employee in the school district, earning a salary that reflects the immense pressure, visibility, and responsibility of the role.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth area alone, the average head football coach earns $125,724 per year, nearly double the average salary for Texas teachers . At the top of the scale, the highest-paid coaches earn well over $150,000 annually, with the very best commanding $175,000 or more .
This guide ranks the top 20 highest-paid high school football coaches in Texas, based on salary data obtained through open records requests and published reports.
Understanding the Role of the Head Football Coach
Before looking at the salaries, it is important to understand what the job entails. In Texas, the head football coach is rarely just a coach. Most also serve as athletic coordinators or athletic directors, overseeing all sports programs at the school or across the district. They are typically employed as teachers first, with coaching duties compensated through stipends added to their base teacher salary .
The job is year-round. Coaches run off-season strength and conditioning programs, spring practices, summer camps, and film study sessions. During the season, they work seven days a week, often arriving at the school before dawn and leaving after midnight. The pressure to win is immense, and job security is directly tied to on-field success.
The salaries reflect this reality. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, 47 coaches make more than $130,000, and 16 make more than $140,000 . The top earners are concentrated in high-performing programs with strong community support and generous athletic budgets.
Top 20 Highest-Paid High School Football Coaches in Texas
The table below ranks the top 20 highest-paid high school football coaches in Texas, based on salary data from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which dominates the list of top earners in the state .
| Rank | Coach | School | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Riley Dodge | Southlake Carroll | $175,000 |
| 2 | Randy Allen | Highland Park | $158,904 |
| 3 | Rodney Webb | Rockwall-Heath | $158,862 |
| 4 | Reginald Samples | Duncanville | $156,675 |
| 5 | Lee Wiginton | Allen | $153,560 |
| 6 | Gary Joseph | Katy | $153,877 |
| 7 | Richard Barrett | Kennedale | $150,793 |
| 8 | Todd Peterman | Lake Worth | $150,000 |
| 9 | John Snelson | Dickinson | $154,030 |
| 10 | Steve Huff | Decatur | $146,940 |
| 11 | Scott Peach | Arlington | $144,770 |
| 12 | Claude Mathis | DeSoto | $144,601 |
| 13 | Aubrey Sims | Weatherford | $143,277 |
| 14 | Cody White | Plano | $142,143 |
| 15 | Brian Basil | Flower Mound | $141,792 |
| 16 | Trey Brooks | Rockwall | $141,698 |
| 17 | Chris James | Sam Houston | $141,023 |
| 18 | Rudy Rangel | The Colony | $140,792 |
| 19 | Mike Alexander | Marcus | $139,922 |
| 20 | Laban DeLay | South Grand Prairie | $139,791 |
A Closer Look at the Top 5
Riley Dodge, Southlake Carroll
Riley Dodge is the highest-paid high school football coach in Texas, earning $175,000 annually . He is also the school’s executive director of athletics, a dual role that justifies his premium salary. Dodge has deep ties to Southlake Carroll: he led the Dragons to three state titles as a player and has kept the program among the state’s elite as a coach. His salary has risen dramatically, from $131,000 just three years ago to $175,000 today, reflecting the community’s investment in championship football.
Randy Allen, Highland Park
Randy Allen is a Texas high school football legend. In 27 seasons at Highland Park, he has won four state championships and coached notable players including Matthew Stafford and grandsons of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones . He earns $158,904 annually and is chasing the all-time Texas wins record, needing just 19 more victories to pass Phil Danaher’s mark of 490 . Allen’s longevity and success have made him one of the most respected coaches in the state.
Rodney Webb, Rockwall-Heath
Rodney Webb earns $158,862, making him the third-highest-paid coach in the Dallas-Fort Worth area . Rockwall-Heath has become a consistent contender under his leadership, earning a Top 50 state ranking . The Rockwall Independent School District has the highest average salary for a multi-school district at $150,280, reflecting its commitment to competitive athletics.
Reginald Samples, Duncanville
Reginald Samples earns $156,675 and has built Duncanville into a national powerhouse . The Panthers won state titles in 2022 and 2023 and are consistently ranked among the top programs in Texas . Samples has a reputation for developing elite talent, including Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell . His salary reflects his status as one of the most successful coaches in the state.
Lee Wiginton, Allen
Lee Wiginton earns $153,560 and leads one of the most successful programs in Texas . Allen High School has not missed the playoffs since 1998 and has won five state championships since 2008 . Notable alumni include Kyler Murray and Greg Little. Wiginton’s salary reflects the expectations that come with leading a program of Allen’s stature.
Factors That Determine Coach Salaries
School District Budget
The single biggest factor in coach salaries is the wealth and priorities of the school district. Wealthy suburban districts like Southlake, Highland Park, and Rockwall can afford to pay premium salaries to attract and retain top coaching talent. Districts with tight budgets, like Keller ISD, have lower average salaries .
Dual Roles and Stipends
Most head coaches earn a base teacher salary plus stipends for coaching duties. For example, in Edgewood ISD, a head football coach/athletic coordinator earns a starting teacher salary of $58,500 plus an $8,000 stipend for athletic coordinator duties and a $14,500 stipend for head football coach duties. In San Antonio ISD, the head football coach position includes an additional annual supplement of $21,600 for days beyond the teacher contract . These stipends can add $20,000 to $40,000 or more to base pay.
Success and Longevity
Coaches who win consistently and stay with a program for many years earn more. Riley Dodge’s salary increased by $44,000 in three years as he proved his ability to maintain Southlake Carroll’s championship standards . Randy Allen’s 27 years at Highland Park have made him one of the highest-paid coaches in the state .
Community Support and Expectations
In Texas, football is a community event. Towns with strong football cultures are willing to pay for winning coaches. Lake Worth Superintendent Mark Ramirez defended paying Todd Peterman $150,000 even after a 0-5 start, saying that most students come to school to “compete” . This reflects the cultural value placed on athletics in Texas communities.
Salary Comparison by Region
While the Dallas-Fort Worth area dominates the list of highest-paid coaches, other regions also pay well.
The Houston area has several high earners, including Gary Joseph of Katy ($153,877) and John Snelson of Dickinson ($154,030) . The San Antonio area has Larry Hill of Smithson Valley, who earns $152,300 . These coaches lead programs with strong traditions and community support.
Smaller districts and rural areas pay significantly less. In Meadow ISD, a 1A district, the head six-man football coach earns between $37,660 and $59,631 plus stipends . This wide range reflects the disparity between wealthy suburban districts and rural schools.
How to Become a High School Football Coach in Texas
The path to becoming a head football coach in Texas typically involves several steps.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree. You need a bachelor’s degree, usually in education, kinesiology, or a related field. This is required for teacher certification.
Step 2: Get Texas Teacher Certification. You must be certified to teach in Texas, which requires passing the appropriate exams and completing an approved educator preparation program.
Step 3: Gain Coaching Experience. Start as an assistant coach or position coach. Many coaches begin at the middle school or junior varsity level and work their way up.
Step 4: Build a Track Record. Success as an assistant coach, particularly as a coordinator, leads to head coaching opportunities. Winning records and playoff appearances attract attention.
Step 5: Pursue Head Coaching Positions. Apply for head coaching vacancies, often starting at smaller schools before moving to larger programs.
Summary
The top 20 highest-paid high school football coaches in Texas earn between $139,791 and $175,000 annually. Riley Dodge of Southlake Carroll leads the list at $175,000, followed by Randy Allen of Highland Park ($158,904) and Rodney Webb of Rockwall-Heath ($158,862) . These salaries reflect the immense importance of high school football in Texas culture, the dual roles most coaches hold, and the pressure to win championships. While the Dallas-Fort Worth area dominates the list, successful coaches in Houston and San Antonio also earn six-figure salaries. For those willing to put in the years of work, high school football coaching in Texas offers both financial rewards and the chance to shape young lives through the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the highest-paid high school football coach in Texas?
Riley Dodge of Southlake Carroll is the highest-paid high school football coach in Texas, earning $175,000 annually.
What is the average salary for a high school football coach in Texas?
The average head football coach in the Dallas-Fort Worth area earns $125,724 per year . Statewide, salaries for assistant coaches and smaller-school head coaches range from around $40,000 to $80,000.
Do high school football coaches in Texas need a teaching certificate?
Yes. Most head football coaches in Texas are employed as teachers first and must hold a valid Texas teaching certificate. Coaching duties are compensated through stipends added to their base teacher salary.
How much do assistant football coaches make in Texas?
Assistant football coaches in Texas typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 per year, depending on experience, school district, and additional coaching duties.
Why are Texas high school football coaches paid so much?
High school football is a cultural institution in Texas, with immense community support and pressure to win. Coaches often serve as athletic directors overseeing multiple sports, and their salaries reflect the revenue, visibility, and community expectations associated with the role.
How long does it take to become a head football coach in Texas?
Most coaches spend 5 to 15 years as assistant coaches or coordinators before becoming a head coach. Advancement depends on success, networking, and the availability of head coaching positions.
Disclaimer: All salary figures are based on publicly available data from open records requests, salary surveys, and published reports. Actual salaries may vary based on school district, experience, and additional duties. Always verify current pay rates with the specific school district.