Protecting the Tradition: Five-Time State Champion Coach Brodowicz Returns to Catholic

Mike Brodowicz will return as the head coach of the Charlotte Catholic Football program for the Fall 2026 season after retiring three years ago. This announcement came as a shock to the Charlotte Catholic community as the Charlotte Observer Coach of the Decade returns to the Cougars. 

After Brodowicz left in 2022, he was replaced by Mathew Reilly who resigned after one year. Keith Emery followed, taking over the program for the next two years. Charlotte Catholic announced Brodowicz’s return on December 9th, not publicizing the reason for Emery’s departure. 

Coach Brodowicz brings lots of championship experience to the program. He served as the defensive coordinator on Jim Oddo’s coaching staff before taking over as head coach in 2014. He won five state championships during his nine years as head coach. Additionally, he has coached every state championship team since 2004.

Coach Mike Brodowicz at Memorial Stadium (Credit: Charlotte Observer)

Winning is a central part of Brodowicz’s legacy at Charlotte Catholic. From 2014-2022 he compiled a record of 110-15, and the Charlotte Observer recently named him Coach of the Decade. Coach Brodowicz’s mission is to “protect the tradition.” He pays much respect to Coach Oddo and how he built this program from the ground up. 

“I came back to win. I make no bones about it. I’m not coming back to get a participation trophy. I think I have a formula where we can win a lot of games,” Brodowicz said. He has already started preparation for the 2026 season. The team started training on the first day back from winter break at 6:00 A.M. He takes a very minimalist approach to coaching. He doesn’t ask for much time from the players, but he asks for everything they have in that time. Coach Brodowicz is also bringing back a lot of his old coaching staff. 

Brodowicz’s success does not come from great game plans or coaching techniques. It comes from the amount of care that he gives to his players. He sees potential in every one of his athletes and believes in his players before they even believe in themselves. This attitude sets Coach Brodowicz apart, and it’s the reason that he is returning as the head football coach at Charlotte Catholic.