Posted: Apr 13, 2015

Dodson Named New Leader of Pioneer Football

Jarod Dodson has been named the new head football coach at Alfred State after an extensive search. Dodson, who will begin his duties this week, takes over for Mick Caba who retired at the end of February.

Athletic director Dr. Kelly Higgins is thankful for the hard work of the search committee and is excited to have Dodson join the athletic department staff. "Jarod brings a passion for college football and excellence that brings out the best in student-athletes. He has a deep knowledge and understanding of football that has been developed by learning from some of the outstanding coaches in the sport. He knows Western NY with his background at UB under Turner Gill, is a tireless recruiter, and he gets Alfred State. I am excited to help him as he brings a new level of success to the Pioneer football program in the coming years as we move forward into the NCAA with the strongest schedule in program history."

Dodson is ready to get started on the new opportunity. "I am honored to lead this historic program into this next chapter. I'm both excited and humbled to work with the dynamic leadership team here beginning with President Sullivan along with Dr. Higgins. I look forward to enthusiastically engaging myself and tapping into the magical energy of our students here at Alfred State!"

Dodson has been in coaching ranks since 1998 and has held positions in all levels of NCAA football. He most recently has served as the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

Prior to coaching at SD School of Mines, Dodson was at Old Dominion University where he was the assistant defensive coordinator in 2011 and the secondary coach in 2010. In 2009, he served as the special teams co-coordinator and defensive backs coach under Turner Gill at the University of Buffalo.

From 2004-2008, Dodson held various positions at his alma mater the University of South Dakota. He started at South Dakota as the secondary coach, moved to the offensive side of the ball during the 2005-06 season and served as the offensive passing game coordinator, held the position of special teams coordinator in 2005 and 2006 and then became the defensive coordinator in 2008.

While coaching offense at South Dakota he helped the team to the #1 ranking in NCAA DII in total offense and scoring offense and then after moving back to the defensive side he coordinated the #1 defense in the Great West Conference. Dodson was a finalist in both 2007 and 2008 for the AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year.

Dodson coached at Michigan Tech University from 2000-2003 and started his coaching career at the University of South Dakota where he served as a graduate assistant between 1998 and 2000.

During his playing career, Dodson was a standout cornerback at South Dakota. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in recreation (1999) and his master's degree in health and physical education in 2000.

College president Dr. Skip Sullivan looks forward to the Dodson era. "We are excited for our school, our students, and our student athletes as we begin a new era of football at Alfred State. Coach Dodson has a great background, experience, passion for the game and passion to see students succeed. I am delighted to welcome him to the Alfred State family."

Winning each day will be the primary focus and battle cry for Dodson and Alfred State. "Pioneer Football will always set our sights on being our best each day! Win2Day is our motto! We will focus on our #1 goal to always reach our full potential; it starts by excelling in the classroom, then service in the community, and finally, by playing together on Saturdays in the Fall!"

"When you watch the Pioneers, you will witness the most exciting brand of physical football ever played. Our team will reflect the toughness and work ethic of our very proud region here in Western New York. We are "Blue Collar" football!"

Dodson and his wife Shannon, are the proud parents of four daughters, Mariah, LaRae, JaeLynn, and Kendyl.

Dodson, the third head football coach in Alfred State football history, will lead the Pioneers on the field for the first time on September 5^th when the blue & gold host William Patterson (NJ).

What others are saying about Coach Dodson

Turner Gill: Head Football Coach at Liberty University

"I am thrilled for Jarod Dodson and his family. Jarod is a great fit for Alfred State, as he has an outstanding football mind that will bring energy to the program."

Stacy Collins: Head Football Coach at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

"Jarod is a tremendous leader of scholar-athletes and Alfred State has hired a great coach, teacher, father, and husband as their next head football coach. I know he will begin immediately building leaders in the classroom, community, and football field. He will develop a winning culture both on and off the field and be a great mentor to his players. I'm excited to watch him put his stamp on this program."

Dr. Rob Barnhill: Director of Athletics at Concordia University – Wisconsin

"Jarod Dodson has been preparing for this opportunity since he completed his collegiate playing career. Coach Dodson has approached his professional development with character and dignity while being relentless in his pursuits."

Kurt Anderson: Assistant Offensive Line Coach for the Buffalo Bills

"Jarod Dodson is an incredible football mind. As good of a ball coach as Jarod is, he an even better Husband, Father, and friend. If you want your son to play for someone that will help him in all facets of his life, guide him mentally, physically, and spiritually, send him to Alfred State to play for Jarod Dodson."

Glenn Caruso: Head Football Coach at the University of St. Thomas

"It brings a huge smile to my face to see Jarod have the opportunity to be a head football coach; it was a long time in the making and to see it come to fruition is a tremendous testament to his ability, character, vision and persistence. I believe that what I know about Alfred State and the attributes that it will probably need to continually grow a program are those qualities that Jarod embodies. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to coach with Jarod, he is an amazing football coach and even better person."

Dodson Coaching Career:

South Dakota School of Mines: 2012-15

Positions held: Defensive Coordinator & Defensive Backs Coach

Old Dominion University: 2010-11

Positions held: Assistant Defensive Coordinator & Secondary Coach

University at Buffalo: 2009

Positions held: Special Teams Co-Coordinator & Defensive Backs Coach

University of South Dakota: 2004-2008

Positions held: Defensive Coordinator, Special Teams Coordinator, Offensive Passing Game Coordinator & Receivers Coach, @ Secondary Coach

Michigan Tech University: 2001-2003

Positions held: Special Teams Coordinator, Defensive Coordinator, & Linebackers Coach

University of South Dakota: 1998-2000