Latest news with #SWACCoachoftheYear
Miami Herald
2 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
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Bethune-Cookman battles hard, falls short at NCAA Regional
Bethune-Cookman Baseball saw its 2025 season come to a close over the weekend in the NCAA Tournament's Tallahassee Regional, falling to Florida State and Northeastern in a pair of hard-fought contests. The Wildcats opened the regional Friday against No. 9 national seed Florida State. Despite out-hitting the Seminoles 10-6, B-CU came up short in a 6-2 loss marked by a two-hour weather delay. Sophomore right-hander Joel Core stayed on the mound through the delay, striking out seven over seven innings. Jorge Rodriguez delivered a key two-run single to tie the game early, but FSU responded with a pair of home runs, including a two-run blast from Myles Bailey that put the Seminoles ahead for good. Saturday's elimination game against No. 19 Northeastern was a heartbreaker. The Wildcats battled back twice to tie the game, but the Huskies scored two runs in the top of the ninth to escape with a 4-3 win. A solo home run and a B-CU defensive miscue proved costly, although the Wildcats mounted a last-inning threat. With runners in scoring position and the SWAC Co-Hitter of the Year Andrey Martinez at the plate, the Huskies closed it out with a strikeout. Martinez led the Wildcats with a 2-for-5 performance and an RBI, while Daniel Figueroa and Darryl Lee contributed key hits in the effort. Bethune-Cookman finishes its season with a 37-23 record and a SWAC championship title. Head Coach Jonathan Hernandez, named 2025 SWAC Coach of the Year, praised his team's grit and composure on the national stage. Bethune-Cookman Baseball NCAA Tournament 2025 may have ended in defeat, but the Wildcats showcased resilience and promise for the future of the program. The post Bethune-Cookman battles hard, falls short at NCAA Regional appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
