Dexter Names New High School Football Coach

Dexter High School teacher Brian Baird has been named the Dreadnaughts' new varsity head football coach, the district announced Wednesday.

Baird succeeds Tom Barbieri, who was fired at the end of the 2010 season by Dexter Athletic Director Scott Lucas.

Baird, a DHS math teacher since 2002, has served as the program’s junior varsity head coach and varsity assistant coach and assistant offensive coordinator. Previously, Baird served as a varsity assistant coach at Milford High School and eight years as freshman head coach at Glenbard East High School in Lombard, IL. He also coached for two years at Proviso East High School in Maywood, IL., with one year as freshmen head coach, and was freshman head coach at Berkley High School.

“Brian Baird’s commitment to the student athletes in his charge is evident simply from talking to him, which is a highly positive trait for any coach to possess," Greg Wagner, Dexter Community Schools’ athletics and facilities coordinator, said in a written statement.

Said DHS Principal William Moran: “Brian Baird's dedication to students and his focus on bringing out the best in our athletes will serve him well as our new football coach. We look forward to his leadership of our student athletes."

Baird, who also serves as the Mathematics Department chairman at DHS, has been recognized as an outstanding teacher by members of the senior class on two occasions. He earned his bachelor's degree with distinction from the University of Michigan and his teaching certificate from Eastern Michigan University. He has a master's degree from Northeastern Illinois University.

“I am thrilled to take on the challenge of continuing to build the Dexter football program," Baird said. "Dexter is a special community, a place where my wife and I chose to raise our family and invest in the Dexter students. I look forward to leading a team of dedicated coaches and developing the young men in this program to become men of character, discipline and integrity. I believe that if you take care of the important things, this program will have the success the community hopes for and deserves.”

The 2011 high school football season begins with formal practices in August. The first game for the Dreadnaughts is at Fowlerville on Aug. 26.

Baird will host a parents meeting Thursday at 7:45 p.m. at the high school.