WAXAHACHIE -- Todd Alexander hasn't coached varsity football in two years. Now, he is replacing former Cowboys quarterback Jon Kitna as Waxahachie's coach.
Alexander, a former Waxahachie assistant coach, was unanimously approved as the school's head football coach at a meeting of the board of trustees Thursday. He is the first graduate of Waxahachie High School to be named the school's head football coach, the school district said in a news release.
"The kids are going to come first in this program, always," Alexander told The Dallas Morning News. "My first step is going to be addressing the kids and reassuring them that there's been a great foundation built in this program, and we're going to build on that. We're going to be successful if we do that."
Waxahachie ISD athletic director Greg Reed, in an unusual move, declined to comment at the board meeting.
In the release from Waxahachie ISD, Reed said, "Todd Alexander is a man of the highest character. We have made huge strides in our football program over the last several years, with an emphasis on academics and character. We know that Coach Alexander is the right person to continue that tradition as we move into 6A."
The release said that Alexander took a leave from varsity football for the last two years to focus on his family. Alexander declined to comment when asked about his recent absence from football coaching.
"What I'm thinking right now is my to-do list," Alexander said. "I've got a check list, and some of it needs immediate attention. I'm just looking forward to digging into work, most likely starting this evening with some of those tasks. I'm excited, very excited."
He has been the varsity girls cross country coach, leading the team to its first district championship. He has also been teaching physical education.
A list of applicants obtained by The News showed that almost 40 people applied for the job. Alexander's application date was listed as March 19 -- the latest of any applicant on the list.
When asked when he realized he was in contention to land the job, Alexander said, "I'm not going to comment on the hiring process."
Alexander was a finalist for the job in 2015, according to the Waxahachie Daily Light, which cited an unnamed source.
Alexander replaces Kitna, who submitted his resignation as head football coach and boys athletic coordinator last month. Kitna, who played in the NFL from 1997 to 2011 and is a former Cowboys quarterback, was named the head coach at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix on Feb. 15.
Kitna had a record of 20-13 in three seasons at Waxahachie, and this season he led the team to an 8-5 record and berth in the Class 5A Division II Region II semifinals. Aaron Woods, Waxahachie's offensive coordinator, has been the interim head coach since Kitna left.
Alexander takes over a program that is moving up from 5A to 6A next school year. The UIL's realignment put Waxahachie in a tough district with Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Mansfield Lake Ridge, Mansfield Summit and South Grand Prairie.
Alexander has been with Waxahachie ISD for more than 20 years and worked on the staffs of Kitna, David Ream and Thomas Brooks. Alexander has taught at the junior high and elementary levels.
"Coach Alexander has experience coaching at every level in Waxahachie ISD and has proven himself to be an effective coach who helps students succeed - not only in athletics, but in life," Waxahachie ISD superintendent Dr. Jeremy Glenn said in the press release. "We are fortunate to hire such a positive ambassador for Waxahachie High School and its student-athletes."
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