Dartmouth Athletics Announces the Retirement of Longtime Assistant Football Coaches Don Dobes and Duane Brooks

HANOVER, N.H. — Sammy McCorkle, Robert L. Blackman Head Football Coach, announced today the retirement of two deeply respected and longtime assistant football coaches — Don Dobes and Duane Brooks.

Together, these coaches have contributed decades of leadership, mentorship, and championship success, helping shape the Big Green into one of the Ivy League's most consistently competitive programs.

"Don Dobes has been one of the most important ingredients to this program's success since he first joined our staff in the spring of 2010," said McCorkle. "A beloved colleague and even dearer friend, I have had the privilege of working side by side with him during many successful seasons. Over the course of his coaching career, his infectious energy, unique sayings, and true love for the game have been hallmarks of his coaching style and one of the many reasons his friends and players love him."

"Today we celebrate two remarkable coaches whose commitment, integrity, and passion have helped shape the very heart of our football program," said Mike Harrity, Haldeman Family Director of Athletics and Recreation. "Their dedication to our student‑athletes, to excellence, and to the values of this institution has left a lasting impact. As they step into well‑earned retirements, we honor not only the championships and milestones, but the mentorship and leadership they brought to our Dartmouth community. We are deeply grateful for their years of service, and we wish them nothing but joy and fulfillment in the next chapter of their lives."

Defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Don Dobes has been a cornerstone of Dartmouth's defensive excellence and retires with a distinguished record of leadership and achievement. During his tenure, Dobes helped guide the Big Green to five Ivy League championships, playing a crucial role in developing one of the most respected defensive units in the conference.

In 2024, he earned one of the highest honors in college football coaching when he was named the AFCA FCS National Assistant Coach of the Year, a testament to his strategic brilliance, player development, and ability to inspire peak performance.

Coach Dobes reflected on those who served as formative coaches in his decades-long career. "For 47 years it has been an honor and a privilege to be called 'coach.' I am so grateful to have concluded this journey wearing the Green of Dartmouth College," said Dobes. "I want to thank my mentor Jerry Berndt, legendary coach Buddy Teevens, and Head Coach Sammy McCorkle for their friendship and their strong belief in my abilities as a 'Ball Coach.'"

Defensive line coach Duane Brooks joined the Big Green staff in the summer of 2014 after a distinguished career spanning more than two decades at the collegiate level. Throughout his 11 seasons with Dartmouth, Brooks built a reputation as one of the Ivy League's premiere developers of defensive line talent. Remarkably, at least one defensive lineman earned All‑Ivy recognition in every single season under his guidance, showcasing his consistency, expertise, and exceptional ability to elevate his players.

"It is quite difficult to encapsulate the entirety of Duane's contributions in one quote, but we couldn't be happier for Coach Brooks on his retirement," said Coach McCorkle. "His coaching tenacity, passion for the game, and support for his players' development both on and off the field have been critical to our success. His care for his players' well-being and ability to build relationships with them are evident in the constant flow of return visitors to his office and meeting rooms as well as the outpouring of support he has received since he made this decision."

For Coach Brooks the appreciation is mutual. "Since arriving at Dartmouth in 2014, it has been an absolute honor to be a part of this program's winning tradition," said Brooks. "What we've built together is special, and the memories we've shared will stay with me forever."

Dobes and Brooks helped build and embody the standard of excellence and character that defines Dartmouth Football today. Their influence has shaped championship teams, mentored thousands of student‑athletes, and strengthened the culture of the program in countless ways.

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