Coach Byron Dawson
I believe that there is no greater reward than watching someone develop mentally, physically and spiritually. Since 2003 this has been a passion and a calling in my life. I never watch the clock or think about the time when I am coaching. As a matter of fact, I get energy and power when I am doing my job.
To be a champion in life, there is a certain recipe you must use. I know this because I have been blessed to be a part of several championships. I call this recipe THE CHAMPION CODE. If you buy into the code, I can promise you one thing, you will be shocked at how it can maximize your potential. I have found that not only does this work when playing on a team, but also in our everyday life. I believe that exposure and environment dictates who you are. If you are exposed to negativity, you will be negative. On the other hand, if you are exposed to positive thinking, you will be positive. I have been exposed to winning! At Evangel we won, at LSU starting for Nick Saban we won. So, I remember those recipes and the code that made us great. I want with all my heart to share that with you. LEARN THE CODE. BECOME A CHAMPION.
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Coach Byron Dawson leads the Centenary College of Louisiana football program, undertaking the formidable task of establishing it from its inception. Despite the challenge of fielding a predominantly freshman team in its inaugural season, Dawson's leadership propelled the squad to an impressive 9-1 record. Under his guidance, Centenary's football program has gained widespread recognition, earning features on ESPN and Front Office Sports and accumulating over 3 million views on social media platforms. Additionally, Dawson's commitment to developing talent has drawn the attention of NFL scouts to the program's promising players, cementing Centenary's position as a rising force in collegiate football.
Prior to Centenary he was the former Defensive Line Coach at Tulane University. In 2020 Dawson was a national finalist for the Football Scoop Coach Of The Year Award. Tulane defense was #3 in FBS in sacks. The Tulane defensive line also led the AAC in Sacks and TFL'S. Cam Sample was drafted in the 4th round to the Cincinnati Bengals. Cam was the Senior Bowl Defensive Practice Player Of The Week. Sample was also named Senior Bowl Game Defensive MVP, According to PFF he was the Most Valuable Defensive Lineman In College Football and first in FBS in hurries. He was named 1st Team All AAC and All - American. Patrick Johnson who was drafted in the 7th round to the Philadelphia Eagles, was voted 2nd team All American Defensive Line, 3rd in FBS in Sacks with 10.5.
Dawson is the Former Head Football Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Evangel Christian Academy, a perennial powerhouse in the state of Louisiana. While coaching both football and track, Coach Dawson has been a part of five (5) state championship teams 2005,2006,2009, 2010 and 2016. During his tenure, Dawson has coached the #1 ranked defense in the state of Louisiana in 2009, 2010 and 2016. Byron was voted the All-City Coach of the Year in 2015, USA Today Coach of the Year in 2016, the 2017 AIM National Coach of the Year and most recently, the 2017 NFHS Louisiana Coach of the Year. In addition to coaching numerous athletes that received Division I offers and scholarships, he has Developed four (4) Army All-Americans Jermauria Rasco, Jerry Tillery, Micah Baskerville and Davin Cotton. In 2019 Jerry Tillery was drafted in the 1st round of the NFL draft to the Chargers. In 2017 his team was awarded the Mcdonalds Sports Award as the team of the year, presented by Peyton Manning.
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Dawson was awarded a full scholarship to LSU where he received a Bachelor of General Studies. He was a four year starter at LSU, playing his last three seasons for Coach Nick Saban. His final 3 seasons he played in the Peach Bowl, BCS Sugar Bowl and the Cotton Bowl. As a college player, he made key plays in the 2001 SEC Championship and was voted the team Unsung Hero in 2002.
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As a high school student athlete at Evangel, he played on three state championship teams. In football, Dawson was voted All-American, All-City MVP, All-District MVP, All-Parish MVP, and Louisiana Defensive MVP. In addition to numerous football honors, he was a two-time State Champion in the Shot-Put with a PR of fifty nine feet.
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Coach Dawson has inspired, motivated and trained hundreds of coaches and leaders at various events over the years. He is highly requested for speaking engagements and training seminars and has shared the stage with motivational speakers and coaching icons such as Billy Napier, Brian Kelly, Bobby Bowden, Inky Johnson, Mack Brown, Jason Garrett, Willie Fritz, Ron Rivera, Les Miles, Bill O’Brian, Bill Snyder, and Anthony Munoz just to name a few.
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Bio
