After 11 years leading Hornet Nation, Coach Southern steps down to pursue opportunities at the collegiate level.
Post From the Huntsville ISD Facebook Page
A Message from Athletic Director & Head Football Coach Rodney Southern:Coach Rodney Southern
Huntsville High SchoolDear Hornet Nation:
It is with sadness and excitement that I announced this morning that I am retiring from Texas High School Coaching. I have been blessed to be an athletic director and head football coach for 23 years, 11 of which were here in Hornet Nation. I spoke to our football staff and team this morning regarding my decision.
I would like to thank Superintendent Dr. Scott Sheppard, Huntsville ISD School Board and all of Hornet Nation for an incredible experience in Huntsville. Thank you to the Huntsville community for your support of me and our program. Thank you to all the coaching staff, support staff and the many young people that are a part of Huntsville Athletics. I want to thank all the former Hornet football players that helped us build this program. You will always have a special place in my heart. We have created an outstanding program and moved the athletic programs forward in many ways.I will be pursuing opportunities at the collegiate level and look forward to the continued success of Hornet Athletics. The district will release information soon regarding the process for selecting my replacement, and I am confident that our program will attract a long list of quality applicants because of the success we have enjoyed, the support from our administration and community, and the quality of our dedicated student athletes.
Sting’em,
Coach Rodney Southern
During his 11-year tenure at Huntsville High School, Coach Rodney Southern led the Hornets to consistent success, including an impressive 12-2 overall record and a perfect 7-0 district record in the 2018-2019 season. Under his guidance, the team became a perennial playoff contender, making postseason appearances in each of the past four years.
Southern also played a pivotal role in advancing his players’ careers, with several athletes committing to collegiate programs. Among them, J.T. Kroll went on to play at Stephen F. Austin State University, while T’Vondre Sweat, a 2019 graduate, became one of Huntsville’s most decorated athletes. Sweat helped lead the Hornets to a Texas Class 5A Division II state quarterfinal appearance in 2018 before continuing his career at the University of Texas, where he earned unanimous All-American honors and won the Outland Trophy in 2023. He was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the 2024 NFL Draft, marking a major milestone for Huntsville football.
Coach Southern’s leadership not only brought consistent success to Hornet Nation but also fostered the development of players who have gone on to excel at the collegiate and professional levels.
