Larry Dale Resigns as North Lenoir Head Football Coach After Three Seasons
Larry Dale Resigns as North Lenoir Head Football Coach After Three Seasons
North Lenoir head football coach Larry Dale has stepped down after three seasons leading the Hawks, announcing his resignation Monday morning as he prepares to move into school administration.
In a statement to the North Lenoir community, Dale expressed deep appreciation for the players, staff, and families he served during his tenure.
“To the North Lenoir family. I would first like to say thank you to my players, staff, admin, and North Lenoir community. You have welcomed my family with open arms and we have loved every minute of it. I hope y'all have gained as much from me as I have from you. I'll never be able to fully express how grateful I am for this opportunity,” Dale said.
He continued: “As I have always told the boys ‘opportunities will always present themselves in life, the question is will you be ready to take it.’ Well one has come my way to further my education and I have taken it. So as of this morning I have resigned as the head football coach at North Lenoir High School. Again I want to say thank you to everyone that has made this special. I will still be around for anything you might need. Love Coach Dale.”
Dale is expected to transition into an administration role as the next step in his career.
A Leader Beyond Wins and Losses
Dale’s on-field record included a 2–7 finish in his first season, a 4–8 campaign in his second, and a 1–9 year this past fall. But numbers only tell a fraction of the story.
Covering North Lenoir for the past four seasons, I have witnessed firsthand that Dale’s impact extended far beyond the scoreboard. He consistently stood up for his players, guided them through challenging moments, and served as a steady presence during times of adversity. In his three years at the helm, North Lenoir faced situations and life events that many high school athletes never encounter, and Dale met each moment as both a coach and a mentor.
The strength of a program is often reflected not in championships, but in the relationships built and the lessons taught. Dale embodied that standard daily.
North Lenoir will begin its search for the program’s next head coach as Dale steps into a new chapter — one built on the same commitment to leadership and service he brought to the football field.
