Coach Todd Campbell is a respected football coach, US Army veteran and teacher known for his leadership, discipline and focus on building strong teams.
Born and raised in Abilene, Texas, he grew up surrounded by the values of hard work, competition, and community spirit. Sports largely shaped his early life, inspiring a lifelong passion for teamwork and performance.
After graduating from Abilene Wiley High School, Campbell studied at Texas Tech University and later earned her degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. His coaching career began at Texas Tech, where he worked with wide receivers and developed a keen eye for player development. He went on to coach at Texas A&M-Commerce and the College of the Sequoias, where his aggressive strategy broke three school records and helped increase the program's success.
Campbell later turned to high school football, playing leadership roles at several 4A and 5A schools in Texas. Under his guidance, teams achieved numerous district and regional championships, reflecting his ability to motivate players and create winning cultures.
Following the events of 9/11, Campbell put his career on hold to serve in the US Army. His years in the service deepened his understanding of leadership and resilience, lessons he took back to the field.
Beyond football, Coach Todd Campbell is active in community service, volunteering at local food pantries and shelters that support veterans. He continues to lead with integrity, commitment and a passion for helping others reach their full potential.
Question: Todd, let's start at the beginning. How did you first get into football and coaching?
Answer: I grew up in Abilene, West Texas, where football is more than a game – it's part of the culture. I played football, baseball and basketball during school, but football always stood out. After graduating from Abilene Wylie High School, I went to Texas Tech, where I started helping the football team as a student assistant. This is where I discovered the problem of coaching. Seeing how strategy, teamwork and communication came together fascinated me.
Q: You've coached at many levels from varsity to junior college to high school. What was the most special thing about that trip?
Answer: Each level teaches you something different. At Texas Tech, I worked with wide receivers and learned how small details – like route timing or body positioning – can change the outcome of a game. Later, at Texas A&M-Commerce, I coached running backs and tight ends, which expanded my understanding of offensive balance.
When I went to College of the Sequoias, I became the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. This is where our offense set three school records – most points scored in a game, highest completion percentage for a season and yards per catch. It wasn't magic; This was preparation. We focused on accuracy, consistency and confidence that we could outperform expectations.
Q: Then you moved into high school coaching. How different was that experience compared to college?
Answer: High school coaching in Texas is special. The energy of a Friday night, the community involvement—it's unlike anything else. I worked at five different 4A and 5A schools, serving in roles such as offensive coordinator, run game coordinator, and quarterbacks coach. Those teams won numerous district, bi-district and regional championships.
What is different at the high school level is the development aspect. You're not just coaching players; You are helping young people become adults. I always tell them, “Football ends one day, but discipline and teamwork don't.”
Q: After 9/11, you made a big life decision to join the Army. What caused this?
Answer: That day changed everything for me. I was coaching, but I felt a strong desire to serve. It wasn't about quitting football – it was about answering a call. I joined the US Army and served for about four and a half years. Unfortunately, I was injured while on active duty and received an honorable medical discharge.
That time in the Army taught me lessons that no classroom or sports book could teach. Leadership, flexibility and accountability are not abstract ideas in the military – they are tools for survival. Those lessons have guided me in every coaching role since.
Q: How has returning to coaching after your service shaped your perspective as a leader?
Answer: I come back with a deeper sense of purpose. Football was no longer just about the scoreboard – it was about preparing youngsters for life. I started focusing more on mindset, communication and handling pressure. In the military, you learn that everyone matters, no matter their role. I brought that same thinking to my teams. Every player matters; Every role has value.
Q: What do you think makes a great coach in today's world?
Answer: A great coach today must be adaptable. The game evolves and so do the players. You have to balance discipline with understanding, structure with creativity. I also believe that empathy is undervalued in leadership. Whether it's football or business, people perform best when they feel supported and respected.
Q: You have been involved in volunteer work with veterans and community organizations. Why is this important to you?
Answer: Giving back is part of my personality. After leaving the military, I saw firsthand what many veterans struggle with — homelessness, mental health, or just finding purpose again. I volunteer at food pantries and shelters that focus on helping veterans get back on their feet. Sometimes, it's not about the money; It's about showing up and putting in the time.
I tell my players the same thing: Leadership isn't about titles – it's about service. Whether you're a captain, a coach or a neighbor, you can make a difference by giving back.
Q: Looking back, what are you most proud of in your career so far?
Answer: I am proud of relationships. Wins are great, records are nice, but watching players succeed in life – that's the real reward. Some have gone into coaching, others into service, and some into raising great families. To know that I played a small part in this means everything.
Q: Finally, what advice would you give to someone starting out in coaching or leadership?
Answer: Start with passion, stay humble and never stop learning. Leadership is not about being perfect; It's about being persistent. Whether you're coaching soccer or managing a team in business, lead by example. And remember—success isn't just about what you achieve, it's about what you help others achieve.
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An interview with Coach Todd Campbell: Leading on and off the field:
