Port Neches-Groves ISD Superintendent Mike Gonzales, Ed.D tells KFDM that the district has hired legendary high school and college football coach Todd Dodge as a consultant to help PN-G in its search for a new football coach.

Dr. Gonzales says once a new coach is selected, Dodge has agreed to stay on as a mentor for one year to the new PN-G coach.

Dodge, 58, is a Port Arthur native, and played quarterback at Thomas Jefferson High School under coach Ronnie Thompson where he set several state records. Dodge would go onto to a become quarterback at the University of Texas at Austin.

Dodge has seven high school state championships under his belt as football coach.

He is currently the head coach at Westlake High School in Austin. He'll retire at the end of the month.

Dodge says, "I'm thrilled to be able to help out Port Neches. I love Southeast Texas and want to do anything I can do to help. " Dodge tells KFDM that the PN-G coaching job "is absolutely a premier job in the state of Texas".

Dodge describes the PN-G fan base as "second to none." He says the program has outstanding facilities and a rich tradition.

Dodge tells KFDM that in his role as mentor, he will provide whatever guidance the new hired coach would need. Dodge says he has 36 years experience, 27 years of that as a head coach and athletic director. Dodge says it's up to the new coach, he may seek the advice, or he may not need it, but if he does Dodge says he will be available.

Gonzales tells KFDM that PN-G ISD could not hire Dodge as coach since he has decided to retire, but Gonzales says "We were able to hire the best to help us find the best."

Gonzales says up until this point, there have been 36 applicants for the top coaching job. He says applications will be accepted through Thursday afternoon.