Varsity football defensive coordinator Joshua Dawson coaches the linebackers in their 14-28 loss to North Oconee High School on Aug. 5, 2022. Dawson began coaching with the Gladiators before the 2021 season, bringing his relentless attitude from his playing days to his coaching. “I always try to find some competition. I’m competing against (the other team’s) offensive coordinator, so I’m always thinking, ‘Are they outworking me? Do I need to watch more film?’” Dawson said. “I just try to use that same mindset, that same ambition that I had as a player to keep me motivated.” Photo by Aza Khan
The ODYSSEY Media Group will provide viewers with stylized profiles that center on people in the Athens community telling their own stories.
Varsity football defensive coordinator Joshua Dawson brings the same philosophy of self-sacrifice and diligence to his coaching that he had as a player.
Dear opposing coaches,
Whatever you know about self-sacrifice, varsity football defensive coordinator Joshua Dawson knows more.
However many hours you’ve spent on the field, he’s put in more. However much film you’ve studied, he’s studied more, for longer. However prepared you feel, he’s more ready.
Dawson brings the same diligence he brought to Tucker High School’s 2008 and 2011 state championships. Dawson has the same attitude he had when he played defensive end for four years at the University of Georgia. Dawson owns the same unwavering commitment that got him to the Atlanta Falcons in 2016.
Every snap he’s played, every sack he’s made, every game he’s won – they all come back to him giving up a little bit of himself for the good of the team.
But why, you might ask, does Dawson work so completely, so dedicatedly, to put the Clarke Central High School defense on his shoulders?
In short, because he misses it.
“I once heard (a saying), ‘We get into coaching because we can’t play anymore.’ I think that’s so true. I miss playing high school football. I miss the Friday Night Lights. It’s different,” Dawson said.
For everything he can do, Dawson can’t turn back time.
He won’t wear the Atlanta Falcons jersey again. He can’t go back between the hedges. He will never raise his high school trophies again.
So, Dawson found the next best thing.
Instead of doing extra drills after practice, he’s up late watching film. Rather than bonding with teammates, he’s building relationships with his players. Where before he was making game-changing plays, he’s now trying to put his players in the best position possible to do the same.
“Being able to be a coach on those Friday nights, it helps me scratch that itch of playing. It’s kind of like I’m playing through those guys,” Dawson said.
So, coaches, make no mistake: Dawson might not be able to beat you on the field, but he’s doing everything possible to beat you from the other end of the sideline.
It’s his way of always sacrificing himself.
