Coach Todd’s Playbook for Leadership

Many people in Paragould know Michael Todd as Coach Todd. Others know him as Mr. Todd, their principal at Greene County Tech. In this episode of The Paragould Podcast, we sit down with Coach Todd to hear the story behind both roles. Originally from Parkin, Arkansas, Mike shares about his undefeated high school football season in 1979, earning a scholarship to play at Arkansas State, and the unexpected path that eventually led him to Paragould. What began as a coaching opportunity at Greene County Tech in 1990 turned into decades of impact as a football coach, teacher, and eventually a school administrator. We talk about the coaches and athletes who shaped those years, the transition from the field to school leadership, and what he learned about coaching young people along the way. Now in retirement, Mike has taken on a new challenge, losing 152 pounds, staying active by playing pickleball several hours a day, and focusing on healthier habits. Along the way, he shares a simple leadership philosophy that guided his career: Leadership is seeing the potential in others and helping them see it themselves. This is a great conversation about coaching, leadership, and the lasting influence of educators in a community like Paragould.