Former Norfolk State College head coach and HBCU mainstay, Dawson Odums, is taking the following step in his teaching profession, becoming a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars as a part of the NFL’s Invoice Walsh Range Teaching Fellowship. This prestigious initiative supplies minority coaches with invaluable expertise working alongside skilled groups throughout offseason packages and coaching camps.
Odums, a revered determine in HBCU soccer, brings a wealth of expertise to the Jaguars. He most just lately led Norfolk State from 2021 to 2024. In his debut season, he guided the Spartans to a 6-5 file, their first profitable marketing campaign since 2007. His capability to show round packages and construct sturdy groups has earned him recognition throughout the HBCU neighborhood.
Earlier than Norfolk State, Odums had an impactful nine-year tenure as head coach at Southern College. There, he captured a number of SWAC West Division titles and was named SWAC Coach of the 12 months in 2013. He additionally served as an assistant coach at a number of establishments, together with Gardner-Webb College, Georgia Southern College, Clark Atlanta College, Bethune-Cookman College, and North Carolina A&T State College. This wide-ranging expertise has geared up Odums with a deep understanding of each participant improvement and program constructing.
A local of Shelby, North Carolina, Odums was a standout defensive lineman at North Carolina Central College (NCCU), the place he served as workforce captain and earned All-CIAA honors. He holds a bachelor’s diploma in bodily training from NCCU.
Jaguars Invoice Walsh Range Teaching Fellowship
Odums’ choice for the Invoice Walsh Range Teaching Fellowship highlights the rising affect of HBCU coaches within the NFL. Different notable HBCU coaches who’ve participated within the fellowship embody Connell Maynor (Alabama A&M), Trei Oliver (North Carolina Central), and Buddy Pough (South Carolina State). These coaches haven’t solely strengthened the bridge between HBCU packages and the NFL however have additionally impressed future generations of gamers and coaches.
The Invoice Walsh Fellowship supplies individuals with hands-on expertise throughout NFL coaching camps and offseason packages. This publicity helps minority coaches refine their abilities, increase their networks, and put together for future alternatives in skilled soccer. Odums will be a part of Ari Confesor and Anthony Gaitor as a part of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ fellowship group. Collectively, they’ll collaborate with the teaching employees, be taught superior methods, and contribute to the workforce’s improvement all through the offseason.
