Sports

Actions

Norfolk State hires Dawson Odums as head football coach

Dawson odums.jpg
Posted at 7:55 PM, Apr 20, 2021
and last updated 2021-04-20 20:55:04-04

NORFOLK, Va. — Dawson Odums, the head football coach at Southern University, has been selected as the new head football coach at Norfolk State University. This, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the hire who spoke with our sister station WTKR News 3.

They spoke to News 3 Sports Director Adam Winkler on the condition of anonymity because the news had yet to be officially released by the school. The hire was first reported by Steven J. Gaither of HBCUGameday.com

Southern later confirmed the news in a release Tuesday evening.

Odums, who recently completed his ninth season at Southern, is a native of Shelby, North Carolina and graduated from current-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) program North Carolina Central where he played football.

He has nearly two decades of coaching experience, including three seasons in various positions at MEAC program, North Carolina A&T prior to taking the job at Southern.

As the head coach at SU, Odums' record was 63-and-35 - including a 53-and-17 mark in SWAC play. His Jaguars team went 5-and-1 in its abbreviated spring 2021 season.

In his tenure, the Jaguars won four SWAC western division titles and claimed the 2013 conference crown.

According to a source, members of the current Norfolk State football staff were briefed on the hire during a 2 p.m. meeting Tuesday with NSU Athletics Director Melody Webb.

The school's official announcement is expected to be made Wednesday. Multiple sources say a team meeting is scheduled for Noon Wednesday.

Odums, according to The Advocate, earned a salary of $180,000 per season after a contract extension in 2017. FootballScoop.com reports Odums is in-line for a six-year deal at NSU which will pay him $225,000 annually.

"His tenure as the Head Football coach will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to our student-athletes not only on the football field, but in the classroom as well," Southern Director of Athletics Roman Banks said in a statement.

"We appreciate him for developing young people and bringing us back to the top of the SWAC with our championship runs. While we are certainly disappointed to see Dawson and his family leave our program, we are excited for their new endeavors."

Odums will replace Latrell Scott, who resigned March 3rd.

------------------------------------------------------------
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.

To reach the newsroom or report a typo/correction, click HERE.

Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Evening News Headlines, Latest COVID-19 Headlines, Morning News Headlines, Special Offers

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Instagram

Subscribe to our Youtube channel