Todd Whitten shares journey from addiction to FCS coaching success
CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 2:10 PM
Last updated Aug 28, 2026

Tarleton State head coach Todd Whitten reflects on his path to sobriety and career revival during an interview. Once battling alcoholism, Whitten credits athletic director Lonn Reisman with providing him a second chance. Since returning to Tarleton State in 2015, Whitten has led the program to success, winning significant titles and improving its performance in college football. Five years of sobriety culminated in a poignant moment when Whitten presented Reisman with his sobriety chip, expressing gratitude for his support.
- •Todd Whitten struggled with alcohol addiction during his coaching career.
- •Lonn Reisman hired Whitten back at Tarleton State in 2015 despite his past.
- •Whitten transformed the program, winning its first Lone Star Conference championship.
- •He recently marked five years of sobriety, expressing gratitude to Reisman.
- •Whitten has the most wins of any coach at Tarleton State.
- 2:10 PMCBS Sports — 'You saved my life': How Todd Whitten overcame addiction, built Tarleton State into FCS powerhouse
"Whitten rebuilt his life through sobriety and support from athletic director Lonn Reisman
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
College Sports•Aug 28, 2026, 4:45 PMFSU's defensive keys vs. New Mexico State
College Sports•Aug 28, 2026, 4:44 PMBaylor HC Dave Aranda facing pressure before opener vs. Auburn
NCAAF•Aug 28, 2026, 4:40 PMChiefs rookie earns rave reviews as ‘stellar’ defender eyes massive role despite injury setback
College Sports•Aug 28, 2026, 4:37 PMJudge’s deliberation on ruling could leave Carter Loflin out of playing for Georgia
College Sports•Aug 28, 2026, 4:23 PM2026-27 Kentucky Basketball schedule released
College Sports•Aug 28, 2026, 4:18 PMHow a Lady VFL volleyball player overcame a torn ACL, inspired thousands to prioritize health
