Wisconsin Football Coaches Association

John Dixon III was born on October 25th 1958 to parents Ethyl and John Dixon II. He graduated from Wisconsin Dells High School in 1977, winning letters in football, wrestling, and baseball.

Upon graduation, John enrolled at University of Wisconsin Madison, where he played football from 1977-1981, becoming a letter winner and earning a scholarship. John began his coaching career immediately after college, taking a graduate assistant position at UW-Platteville under head coach George Chryst. He remained at UW-Platteville as an offensive assistant and eventually offensive coordinator until 1996, where he also coached wrestling, and baseball. During this time, John married the love of his life, fellow Wisconsin coaching hall of famer (volleyball), Mary Beth. While residing in Platteville, John and Mary Beth had three children: Molly, Tanner, and Drew.

In 1997, John accepted his first head coaching position at Park Falls high school. John took over a team that was 1-8 and within two seasons, led the Cardinals to their first winning season in over a decade, and the first WIAA playoff appearance in school history. John was also named Lumberjack Conference coach of the year in 1998. The Cardinals posted winning seasons and playoff appearances in 1998, 1999, and 2000. During this time, John also taught physical education, was the head wrestling coach, and an assistant track & field coach. During their time in Park Falls, John and Mary Beth would add their fourth child, Mallory.

In 2001, John accepted the head football coach position at Manitowoc Lincoln High School, where he coached for the next fourteen seasons. During this tenure, the Ships qualified for the WIAA playoffs twelve times, won the FRVC/FRCC east division six times, and won three FRVC/FRCC conference championships. In 2011, John led the Ships to a 9-0 conference championship season with both his sons in the backfield, an experience he always cherished. John was also voted 2011 FRCC coach of the year. During this time, John also taught physical education, and served as the head track & field coach. A true ambassador for high school athletics, John could be found at any and every Manitowoc Lincoln sporting event.

During his career, John was voted coach of the year four times in total, and was a member of the WFCA for over 30 years, contributing numerous articles and presentations. John passed away shortly after the 2014 season after a very short battle with pancreatic cancer.