THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Rusk High School Athletics

The Rusk Eagles are proud to announce Cody Welch as the new Head Football Coach for the 2025 season. With a reputation for building elite defenses and developing young talent, Coach Welch brings passion, discipline, and a winning mindset to the Eagles program.

Coach Welch arrives in Rusk after serving as the Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach at Whitehouse High School, where he engineered one of the area’s top defensive units. His leadership and vision were instrumental in transforming Whitehouse into a defensive powerhouse, with standout performances that earned regional recognition. Under his guidance, the defensive backfield became a collegiate pipeline, producing athletes such as Jermod McCoy (Tennessee), Gabe Stroud (North Texas), and Julius Simms (TCU).

Prior to his success at Whitehouse, Welch held key coaching roles as the Defensive Coordinator at Pine Tree and Bullard High Schools and began his career as an assistant at Arp. Throughout his journey, he has been mentored by some of Texas’ most respected football minds—drawing influence from powerhouse programs like Southlake Carroll, Gilmer, Allen, and Longview.

A native of Arp, Texas, Coach Welch is no stranger to East Texas football. He played collegiate football on a scholarship, earning conference championship honors during his playing days. His roots and values run deep, and he is known for his ability to connect with student-athletes, helping them succeed both on and off the field.

Coach Welch’s philosophy, “Coaches never lose,” reflects his belief that the true measure of coaching is in the life lessons instilled through the game of football. He is dedicated to shaping young men into leaders—through competition, character, and commitment.

Coach Welch is supported by his wife, Autumn Welch, a native of Jacksonville, Texas. Together, they are raising two young sons, Rush and Nash, and are thrilled to be joining the Rusk community.

With a strong vision for the future and a foundation rooted in discipline and development, Coach Cody Welch is ready to lead the Rusk Eagles into a new era of pride, purpose, and performance.