The Loretto, Tennessee, and Alabama community is mourning the untimely death of beloved longtime coach and educator, Toby Dunn.
According to reports, Toby Dunn passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, after suffering a cardiac episode at Loretto High School at an untimely age of 64, leaving his loved ones devastated.
Coach Toby Dunn was a cherished member of the sports communities in Waterloo, Alabama, and Loretto, Tennessee, and dedicated 44 years of his life to serving as an exceptional multi-sports coach and teacher.
He had been on the faculty at Loretto High School for over 14 years, serving as a math teacher and assistant baseball coach before his untimely death.
Initially, Toby served as both a football and baseball coach, but he later continued his journey serving as a beloved coach of the Loretto High School boys’ varsity team, The Mustangs.
Under his guidance, the Mustangs made six tournament appearances, winning Class A championships in 2017 and Class 2A in 2024, and finishing as runners-up in 2018.
The Loretto High School expressed its sorrow at losing its longtime coach and teacher, Toby Dunn, and wrote:
“A devoted husband, father, grandfather, as well as a coach, mentor, and educator, Coach Dunn approached each day with purpose and joy. His steady, uplifting presence enriched the lives of faculty, staff, parents, and students throughout the Loretto community. Teaching was Coach Dunn’s mission field. His goal was to see lives changed, to provide hope and love, and to make a difference for the good. Those who knew him knew that teaching was his calling.”
Late Toby Dunn Also Served Nearly Three Decades As a Teacher and Coach in Alabama’s High Schools
Prior to joining Loretto High School in Tennessee, the late Toby Dunn built his career as a beloved coach and teacher in his native state of Alabama, serving for 29 years at several high schools.
He taught and coached for a year at FCA and spent 28 years in Lauderdale County, including at Waterloo High School and Wilson High School in Alabama.
Furthermore, Toby Dunn began his coaching career at Waterloo High School, leading the Waterloo Cougars football team starting in 1987.
By 1990 and 1991, he guided the Cougars to back-to-back area championships and three straight playoff appearances, the only three in the school’s football history.
When the football program needed a restart in 2006, Dunn returned to rebuild the team, posting a 17‑19 record over the next four years and finishing his football coaching career at Waterloo with an overall record of 45‑53.
Beyond football, Dunn achieved remarkable success on the baseball field, coaching Waterloo baseball from 1985, leading the team to 15 area championships, 18 consecutive playoff appearances, five semifinal runs, and a 1990 state championship, compiling a 301‑158 career record.
His accomplishments earned him State Coach of the Year honors and induction into the Lauderdale County Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the region’s most accomplished high school coaches.
Toby Dunn’s legacy in Alabama and Tennessee’s sports community will always be remembered.
In addition to being an amazing coach and teacher, Toby Dunn was also a great husband to his longtime wife, Shelaine Dunn, and a great father to his two daughters, Whitney Dunn and Kristen Jefferson.
Toby also leaves behind his son-in-law, Kyle Jefferson; his grandson, Jordan Faith Jefferson; his siblings; his cousins; his nieces; his nephews; and his entire family. His family will soon provide details about his funeral and memorial services.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Late Toby Dunn was a three-sport letterman at Johnson High School in Huntsville, where he excelled at football, baseball, and wrestling.
- He played baseball at the University of North Alabama, leading his team in several victories.
