Former NFL Star Returns to Amarillo to Coach Alma Mater

The Palo Duro Dons have welcomed a familiar face back into the fold. Evander "Ziggy" Hood played for the Dons while attending the high school in Amarillo in the mid 2000's before heading to Missouri as a three-star prospect. He then spent about a decade in the NFL before retiring and getting into the coaching game.

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His next coaching stop? Back to his old stomping grounds as announced by the Dons' Eric Mims on Twitter saying, "Palo Duro would like to welcome our new Defensive Ends coach! Coach Evander "Ziggy" Hood! We are honored & humbled to have Coach Hood join our staff & cant wait for his impact & leadership to affect the North Side!"

The Dons will have plenty of action against Lubbock Schools next year with Lubbock High, Coronado, and Monterey all sharing a district with the team. Coming off of a 1-7 season the Dons are picked at the bottom of the district for 2021.

Hood will look to get the defensive line improved after spending several seasons in the NFL, most notably with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also played for the Washington Football team, Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears and the Miami Dolphins during his 10-year career. Hood's best season came in 2012 when he started all 16 games for the Steelers and tallied three sacks along with 42 tackles from his interior defensive line spot.

The Dons will lean on Hood's experience and knowledge from his time in the NFL not only on the field but off of it where he can show them the mentality it takes to make to the sport's biggest stage.