Dawson Odums
Head Coach
Dawson Odums was named the 11th head football coach in Bowie State University history on Feb. 4, 2026, bringing more than two decades of collegiate coaching experience, championship success, and a proven record of developing student-athletes on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.
Odums arrives at Bowie State after serving as head coach at Norfolk State University from 2021–2024, where he guided the Spartans through a competitive era in the MEAC while mentoring all-conference performers and academic honorees. His leadership emphasized culture building, player accountability, and academic structure, continuing a career-long reputation as a coach who prioritizes the total development of his student-athletes.
Prior to Norfolk State, Odums enjoyed a highly successful tenure at Southern University, where he served as head coach and became one of the most accomplished leaders in program history. In his first full season, he led the Jaguars to a SWAC Championship, a SWAC West Division title, and earned SWAC Coach of the Year honors. Under his direction, Southern captured multiple division championships, made several conference title game appearances, and consistently ranked among conference leaders in defensive performance and special teams production. His teams were known for their aggressive, fast, and disciplined style of play.
Throughout his time at Southern, Odums coached numerous All-Americans, All-SWAC performers, and academic all-conference selections while also helping send multiple players to the NFL and CFL. His programs posted strong Academic Progress Rates (APR) and produced scholar-athletes, reflecting his belief that academic achievement is central to long-term success.
Odums’ coaching résumé also includes key leadership roles at North Carolina A&T State University, Clark Atlanta University, Bethune-Cookman University, Georgia Southern, and Gardner-Webb. He has served as a defensive coordinator, assistant head coach, special teams coordinator, recruiting coordinator, and defensive line coach during his career. His defensive units have ranked among the top in takeaways, sacks, run defense, and turnover margin, underscoring his reputation as a defensive strategist.
In addition to his collegiate experience, Odums participated in the NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship, further expanding his professional development at the highest level of the game. He is widely respected for his energy, teaching ability, and motivational leadership style.
A former standout defensive lineman at North Carolina Central University, Odums was an All-CIAA selection and team captain before earning his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. His coaching philosophy centers on discipline, accountability, effort, and preparation, with a structured academic support system and a commitment to leadership training and the development of life skills for his players.
Beyond football, Odums is active in community service initiatives, including youth mentoring programs, educational outreach, food drives, and free football camps for children. His approach to coaching extends beyond wins and losses, focusing on character development and preparing student-athletes for success after college. He and his wife, Audrey, have two daughters.
Odums arrives at Bowie State after serving as head coach at Norfolk State University from 2021–2024, where he guided the Spartans through a competitive era in the MEAC while mentoring all-conference performers and academic honorees. His leadership emphasized culture building, player accountability, and academic structure, continuing a career-long reputation as a coach who prioritizes the total development of his student-athletes.
Prior to Norfolk State, Odums enjoyed a highly successful tenure at Southern University, where he served as head coach and became one of the most accomplished leaders in program history. In his first full season, he led the Jaguars to a SWAC Championship, a SWAC West Division title, and earned SWAC Coach of the Year honors. Under his direction, Southern captured multiple division championships, made several conference title game appearances, and consistently ranked among conference leaders in defensive performance and special teams production. His teams were known for their aggressive, fast, and disciplined style of play.
Throughout his time at Southern, Odums coached numerous All-Americans, All-SWAC performers, and academic all-conference selections while also helping send multiple players to the NFL and CFL. His programs posted strong Academic Progress Rates (APR) and produced scholar-athletes, reflecting his belief that academic achievement is central to long-term success.
Odums’ coaching résumé also includes key leadership roles at North Carolina A&T State University, Clark Atlanta University, Bethune-Cookman University, Georgia Southern, and Gardner-Webb. He has served as a defensive coordinator, assistant head coach, special teams coordinator, recruiting coordinator, and defensive line coach during his career. His defensive units have ranked among the top in takeaways, sacks, run defense, and turnover margin, underscoring his reputation as a defensive strategist.
In addition to his collegiate experience, Odums participated in the NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship, further expanding his professional development at the highest level of the game. He is widely respected for his energy, teaching ability, and motivational leadership style.
A former standout defensive lineman at North Carolina Central University, Odums was an All-CIAA selection and team captain before earning his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. His coaching philosophy centers on discipline, accountability, effort, and preparation, with a structured academic support system and a commitment to leadership training and the development of life skills for his players.
Beyond football, Odums is active in community service initiatives, including youth mentoring programs, educational outreach, food drives, and free football camps for children. His approach to coaching extends beyond wins and losses, focusing on character development and preparing student-athletes for success after college. He and his wife, Audrey, have two daughters.