Dawson Odums says Norfolk State hire gives hope to HBCU coaches who ‘pay their dues’

Throughout his introductory press convention after formally being named head coach at Norfolk State, Dawson Odums expressed numerous gratitude.

The previous Southern coach on Wednesday thanked everybody from his household to former gamers and even faculty directors on the place he known as dwelling for the final 9 seasons.

Odums then acknowledged Norfolk State athletic director Melody Webb for not going with the so-called “fad” of exploring hiring high-profile head coaches within the vein of faculties corresponding to Jackson State hiring Deion Sanders and Tennessee State securing a cope with Eddie George.

Neither coach had earlier collegiate expertise. Within the case of George, he hasn’t coached at any degree previous to being wanted.

“I actually don’t know in case you actually know what this implies with what’s happening at HBCUs within the hiring course of,” Odums stated.

Odums, who complied a 63-35 general document and went 53-17 within the SWAC, together with profitable a convention championship in 2013, defined that NSU’s dedication to contemplating a coach whose identify doesn’t essentially resonate publicly encourages others to pursue aspirations of main a program.

Additionally learn: Changing Odums: Meet the coaches Southern may goal this offseason

“I actually imagine that me coming to Norfolk State College provides hope to these guys that pay their dues that do it the fitting approach,” he stated. “You (Webb) didn’t go together with the fad. You didn’t go together with what was happening in society. I’m grateful that you just gave a man an opportunity with a confirmed monitor document.”

Odums, who toiled as an assistant for 12 years earlier than assuming the roles as head at Southern in 2013, had a message for coaches who’ve launched into an analogous journey.

“Don’t surrender hope,” he stated. “There are many ADs on the market with the identical imaginative and prescient as Miss. Wade. Preserve working laborious. Preserve constructing younger males and you’ll get your probability.”