Riley Dodge: SMU | Southlake Carroll | Salary | College | How Old Is | Arrest – Full Bio & Facts

Riley Dodge is one of the most recognizable names in Texas football — celebrated as a high-school star, former college athlete, and highly successful coach. Recently, Dodge accepted a coaching position at SMU, adding a new collegiate chapter to a legacy built in Southlake Carroll and beyond. This comprehensive guide explores his life, career, salary, college journey, age, and even an arrest incident that made headlines years ago, providing clarity and context. 

Early Life & Background

Riley Dodge was born on October 12, 1988, in McKinney, Texas, USA. He comes from a football family — his father, Todd Dodge, is a renowned coach and former University of Texas quarterback. His mother, Elizabeth Neptune Dodge, is also rooted in football heritage, being the daughter of respected coach Ebbie Neptune. 

Growing up in Southlake, Texas, football was in Dodge’s DNA. He attended Carroll High School, where he played alongside and eventually behind some of Texas’s prominent prep athletes. 

High School Career at Southlake Carroll

At Southlake Carroll, Riley Dodge’s high school football career was nothing short of legendary:

• As a junior, he threw for 4,184 yards and 54 touchdowns, while rushing for 1,119 yards and 13 scores. 

• His impressive passing numbers placed him among the top high school quarterbacks in Texas football history. 

• Under his leadership, the Dragons won the 2006 Texas 5A state championship. 

Dodge’s performances weren’t just statistically elite — they symbolized the football culture deeply ingrained in Southlake Carroll’s program. His legacy as a player helped launch a coaching career rooted in that same tradition of excellence. 

College Career

After high school, Riley Dodge signed to play college football at the University of North Texas, reuniting with his father — then head coach. He began as a quarterback before moving to wide receiver during his tenure there. 

Later, Dodge transferred to McNeese State University, where he finished his college eligibility and playing career. 

This dual-school experience provided him with a broad perspective on football at the collegiate level — insights that would later inform his coaching philosophies.

Coaching Career Overview

After finishing his playing days, Dodge didn’t stray far from the gridiron:

Early Coaching Roles

• University of Texas (Quality Control — QBs) — Dodge’s first coaching role came in 2013 when he joined the Longhorns’ staff.

• Flower Mound Marcus HS (OC/QB Coach) — 2015 marked the beginning of his high school coaching ascent.

Return to Southlake Carroll

In 2018, Dodge returned to Southlake Carroll as Head Football Coach. This move reunited him with his alma mater and placed him at the helm of one of Texas’s most storied football programs. Under his guidance:

• The Dragons earned multiple district titles and deep playoff appearances. 

• Southlake Carroll competed in state championship games (including in 2020 and 2024). 

• Dodge became known for building consistently competitive teams and developing Division I-level talent. 

Executive Leadership Role

In 2024, Dodge expanded his impact by becoming the Executive Director of Athletics for Carroll ISD — overseeing all sports programs while continuing his head coaching duties. 

New Chapter: SMU Coaching Role

In late 2025, Riley Dodge accepted a significant career step by joining the SMU Mustangs football coaching staff as the Tight Ends Coach and Pass Game Coordinator under head coach Rhett Lashlee. 

This position marks his first full return to college coaching since his early staff roles, allowing him to bring high-school leadership experience to the collegiate level.

Salary & Earnings

While high-school coaching positions vary widely in pay, Riley Dodge stands out among his peers in North Texas:

• In 2025, he was reported as the highest-paid Texas high school football coach, earning an annual salary around $175,000. 

This reflects the value Southlake Carroll places on high-caliber leadership and the substantial success Dodge brought to the program.

Note: Salaries can vary year to year and may include additional responsibilities or administrative stipends.

How Old Is Riley Dodge?

As of 2025, Riley Dodge is 37 years old, having been born on October 12, 1988. 

Arrest Incident Explained

One of the topics often searched in relation to Riley Dodge is a past arrest incident:

• In March 2016, while serving as an offensive coordinator at Flower Mound Marcus High School, Dodge was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI) with an infant passenger in his vehicle.

• However, a Tarrant County grand jury later declined to indict him, effectively ending the case due to insufficient evidence to prosecute. 

While the arrest did occur and was reported, it did not result in a conviction — and Dodge continued his coaching career without legal penalties following the grand jury’s decision.

Legacy & Impact

Riley Dodge’s legacy is multifaceted:

• Player Impact — From leading Southlake Carroll to championship victories to showcasing athletic versatility in college. 

• Coaching Excellence — Through consistent success, championship runs, and program leadership. 

• Community Presence — As a respected figure in Texas high school football circles and now within collegiate ranks. 

His progression from local star to high-paid coach and now SMU staff member illustrates how meaningful performance, leadership, and resilience can shape a meaningful career in sports.

Riley Dodge Career Timeline

FAQs About Riley Dodge

Q1: Who is Riley Dodge?

Riley Dodge is an American football coach and former player, born in 1988 in McKinney, Texas. He’s known for his high-school success at Southlake Carroll and his recent coaching role at SMU.

Q2: How old is Riley Dodge?

He was born on October 12, 1988 — making him 37 years old in 2025.

Q3: What teams has Riley Dodge coached?

Dodge has coached at the University of Texas, high schools including Marcus HS and Southlake Carroll, and in 2025 joined SMU’s staff as Tight Ends Coach and Pass Game Coordinator. 

Q4: What is Riley Dodge’s salary?

Reportedly, he earned about $175,000 annually as Southlake Carroll’s head coach — one of the highest among Texas high-school football coaches. 

Q5: Did Riley Dodge have an arrest?

Yes — he was arrested in March 2016 on suspicion of DWI with a young child in his car, but the case was later no-billed by a grand jury, meaning no prosecution followed. 

Q6: Where did Riley Dodge play college football?

He played at the University of North Texas and later at McNeese State University.

Q7: What achievements does he have as a coach?

He led Southlake Carroll to multiple district championships, playoff appearances, and state championship game runs. He also became Carroll ISD’s athletic director.

His progression from local star to high-paid coach and now SMU staff member illustrates how meaningful performance, leadership, and resilience can shape a meaningful career in sports.

Riley Dodge Career Timeline