HBCU Legends

Coach Dawson Odums 'Relieved Of Duties' At Norfolk State

The former SWAC Coach of the Year is on the market after changes in leadership at NSU.

Kyle T. Mosley

Aug 30, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Southern Jaguars head coach Dawson Odums coaches against the Houston Cougars during the second half at Reliant Stadium. Houston won 62-13. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-Imagn Images
Aug 30, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Southern Jaguars head coach Dawson Odums coaches against the Houston Cougars during the second half at Reliant Stadium. Houston won 62-13. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-Imagn Images / Thomas Campbell-Imagn Images
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Norfolk State will replace former SWAC Coach of the Year Dawson Odums as the head coach of its football program. Norfolk State's Director of Athletics, Dr. Melody Webb, announced on Tuesday that there will be "a change in leadership for the NSU football program, as head coach Dawson Odums has been relieved of his duties, effective immediately."

"I want to thank Coach Odums for his continued commitment and dedication to Spartan football," Webb said. "Since his arrival, he has become a valued member of our family and community, always representing Norfolk State with dignity and class. We wish him nothing but the best moving forward."

Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University / Credit: Norfolk State University Athletics

Odums finished the season with a 4-8 record and a 2-3 mark in MEAC play. His overall record as the head coach at Norfolk State was 15-31 while leading the Spartans football team. Coach Odums has 79-72 career record.

Webb's announcement noted the Spartans will undergo a "national search for the program's next head coach will begin immediately."

He left Southern University to accept the head coach position at Norfolk State in 2021. Now on the market, Odums could be a candidate for another coaching position in vacancies across the HBCU and FCS football landscape.

COACHING CAREER

1999, Gardner–Webb (DL)
2000, Georgia Southern (OLB)
2001, Georgia Southern (DE)
2002–2003, Clark Atlanta (AHC/DC)
2004, Clark Atlanta (interim HC)
2005–2007 Bethune–Cookman (DL)
2008–2009 North Carolina A&T (ST/DL)
2010, North Carolina A&T (DC)
2011–2012, Southern (DL)
2012, Southern (interim HC)
2013–2020, Southern
2021–2024, Norfolk State

*SWAC Coach of the Year (2013)

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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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