North Platte – After 27 years leading the St. Pat’s Irish football program, Head Coach Kevin Dodson and Defensive Coordinator Brent Aufdenkamp will both step down from their roles with the team. Dodson took the helm of the Irish program in the fall of 1999, along with Assistant Aufdenkamp. Under Dodson’s leadership the Irish recorded 210 wins, qualified for the state playoffs 25 times, earned 15 District Championships, were State Semi-Finalists in 2010, 2011 & 2022, and State Champions in 2004. Dodson was named Coach of the Year in 2004, and earned the Nebraska Coaches Association Level IV Milestone Award in 2025. During his Irish coaching career Dodson was selected as both head coach and assistant coach for the West Nebraska All-Star Game, and was Assistant Coach in the Nebraska Shrine Bowl in 2007.
Before returning to his alma mater, Dodson (1989 alumni) spent 4 years on the coaching staff at Columbus Scotus High School. Dodson leaves the St. Pat’s position as the longest-tenured, winningest coach in school history. He says, “It’s been challenging, fun, and one of the most rewarding aspects of my job. I was blessed with great assistants, hard-working boys, and a community of support that made my job as a coach easy to navigate.”
Dodson will remain in his role as Superintendent of the North Platte Catholic Schools, and has named Brad Braithwait as the new Head Coach for the Irish. Braithwait currently serves as Special Teams Coordinator, Athletic Director, and teaches English and PE at St. Pat’s. Braithwait has been a member of the Irish coaching staff since 2008.