Latest news with #Odums
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Former HBCU HC joins NFL coaching fellowship
Former Norfolk State University head coach and HBCU mainstay, Dawson Odums, is taking the next step in his coaching career, joining the Jacksonville Jaguars as part of the NFL's Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship. This prestigious initiative provides minority coaches with invaluable experience working alongside professional teams during offseason programs and training camps. Odums, a respected figure in HBCU football, brings a wealth of experience to the Jaguars. He most recently led Norfolk State from 2021 to 2024. In his debut season, he guided the Spartans to a 6-5 record, their first winning campaign since 2007. His ability to turn around programs and build strong teams has earned him recognition across the HBCU community. Before Norfolk State, Odums had an impactful nine-year tenure as head coach at Southern University. There, he captured multiple SWAC West Division titles and was named SWAC Coach of the Year in 2013. He also served as an assistant coach at several institutions, including Gardner-Webb University, Georgia Southern University, Clark Atlanta University, Bethune-Cookman University, and North Carolina A&T State University. This wide-ranging experience has equipped Odums with a deep understanding of both player development and program building. A native of Shelby, North Carolina, Odums was a standout defensive lineman at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), where he served as team captain and earned All-CIAA honors. He holds a bachelor's degree in physical education from NCCU. Odums' selection for the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship highlights the increasing impact of HBCU coaches in the NFL. Other notable HBCU coaches who have participated in the fellowship include Connell Maynor (Alabama A&M), Trei Oliver (North Carolina Central), and Buddy Pough (South Carolina State). These coaches have not only strengthened the bridge between HBCU programs and the NFL but have also inspired future generations of players and coaches. The Bill Walsh Fellowship provides participants with hands-on experience during NFL training camps and offseason programs. This exposure helps minority coaches refine their skills, expand their networks, and prepare for future opportunities in professional football. Odums will join Ari Confesor and Anthony Gaitor as part of the Jacksonville Jaguars' fellowship group. Together, they will collaborate with the coaching staff, learn advanced strategies, and contribute to the team's development throughout the offseason. The post Former HBCU HC joins NFL coaching fellowship appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
USA Today
17-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jacksonville Jaguars announce 3 additions to coaching staff
Jacksonville Jaguars announce 3 additions to coaching staff The Jacksonville Jaguars announced three additions to their coaching staff. The Jacksonville Jaguars announced on Friday that they will make three additions to their coaching staff as part of the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship program. Ari Confesor, Anthony Gaitor, and Dawson Odums will be joining the Jaguars for offseason programs in the months of May and June. The Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship program's objective is to "Use NFL clubs' training camps, offseason workout programs and minicamps to give talented coaches opportunities to observe, participate, gain experience, and ultimately gain a full-time NFL coaching position." Confesor has been the wide receivers coach at Wake Forest for the last two seasons. Under Confesor, Wake Forest wide receiver Taylor Morin has become the program's all-time leader in receiving yards and ranks in the top 10 in touchdowns and receptions as well. Gaitor is currently the cornerbacks coach at Florida International. Two of his players, Brian Blades and Hezekiah Masses, were very stingy in coverage last season. Blades allowed a completion rate of just 49% and 8.6 yards per catch, while Masses surrendered a completion rate just over 50% at 9.7 yards per catch. Odums, meanwhile, was most recently the head coach at Norfolk State, which competes at the FCS level. In 2021 under Odums, Norfolk State had its first winning season since 2007, and in 2023, six players earned All-MEAC honors.
