NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — It’s a major move in the HBCU football world.
Norfolk State University officially announced on Wednesday that they’ve hired Southern University head coach Dawson Odums to be their next head man.
WAVY broke the story on Tuesday after two sources confirmed the news to the Sportswrap’s Craig Loper.
Odums is a North Carolina native and North Carolina Central grad who’s been Southern’s head coach since 2012. The Jaguars went 59-40 under Odums during his tenure, making four Southwestern Athletic Conference championship games and winning one in 2013. They had a winning record in each of Odums’ eight years there, including a 5-1 record this spring.
“I am grateful and excited to be the next head football coach at Norfolk State University,” Odums said. “I would like to say thank you to Dr. Adams-Gaston, Ms. Melody Webb and the Board of Visitors for the opportunity to build the Spartan Nation football program. Together we will rise! Go Spartans!”
He’ll look to breathe new life into the NSU program, which went 21-35 under former head coach Latrell Scott. Scott announced he was stepping down in March to pursue another career opportunity. NSU did not play football in 2020 due to the pandemic.
“This is a new day and a new beginning for the Norfolk State University football program. I believe Coach Odums cares about the HBCU mission and will bring new energy to Norfolk State that will benefit our student-athletes,” said NSU President Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston. We believe Coach Odums will lead these young men to success in the classroom, in the community and on the football field. We are happy to welcome him to the Spartan family.”
Odums will be introduced to the media at a Zoom press conference at 3 p.m. Wednesday.