Dr Jack Welch From the Bleachers

April 24, 2025

By Clay Whittington

Belton Journal

“I Told You So” – The Rise of Payton Pardee.

Occasionally, greatness appears before you. It’s not always fully formed, but it’s recognizable. Even when growth is still required, you can just tell, it’s in there, waiting to be developed.

During my coaching career, I encountered two young men I believed were destined to become the youngest head coaches in college or professional football. One was Major Applewhite, who fulfilled that prediction by becoming the youngest head coach in college football. The other was Payton Pardee. Ironically, Applewhite was Pardee’s head coach at the University of Houston. I suppose some things are just meant to be.

I first met Payton when I was coaching at Texas A&M University-Commerce, now known as East Texas A&M University. He had just started his coaching career as a graduate assistant. After only a few spring practices, I sat down with him and said something I didn’t say lightly:

“Payton, I believe you’re going to be the youngest, or one of the youngest, head coaches in college or professional football.”

It was clear even then. From the very beginning, his work ethic, how he connected with people, his desire to learn, and most of all, his humble, soft-hearted nature set him apart. He didn’t talk about being great. He just showed up and did the work, extraordinary work, at that.

And then, just like that, he began to soar. In his very first year as a GA, he was elevated to wide receivers coach. Within another year, he was hired full-time as the tight ends coach. After only three years of college coaching, legendary coach Wade Phillips brought him into the professional ranks with the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks. Payton served as the wide receivers coach, and after just one season, he was promoted to Special Teams Coordinator while still coaching receivers.

When the XFL merged with the USFL, Coach Phillips became