Latest news with #BillWalshFellowship
Miami Herald
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
NFL fellowship goes to Super Bowl winning HBCU coach
Tory Woodbury, an HBCU legend and current assistant at Norfolk State, is heading back to the NFL-at least for the summer. The special teams coordinator has been selected as a Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellow by the Minnesota Vikings, marking a major step in his coaching journey. A Return to the Bill Walsh Fellowship This marks the second time that Woodbury has earned the opportunity. He first participated in the program in 2024 while serving on the staff at Howard University. The Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship is designed to give minority coaches immersive experiences during NFL training camps and offseason activities. HBCU Star Turned NFL Player Woodbury first made his name at Winston-Salem State University. After walking on, he led the Rams to back-to-back CIAA titles. He passed for over 4,500 yards, rushed for more than 1,000 yards, and tied the school record with 60 total touchdowns. His stellar performance caught the attention of NFL scouts. Woodbury signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2001. He later spent time with the Saints, the Bills, and in the CFL, becoming known as a special teams ace. Building an HBCU-to-NFL Pipeline After his playing career, Woodbury made a successful transition to coaching and scouting. He spent five years with the Los Angeles Rams, including time as an assistant special teams coach, and was part of the Super Bowl LVI championship staff. He then moved into HBCU coaching roles-starting at Morgan State in 2022, then Howard in 2024, and finally joining Michael Vick's staff at Norfolk State in 2025. His career reflects the growing connection between NFL and HBCU coaching talent. As more HBCU coaches earn NFL exposure, the pathway from HBCU sidelines to NFL opportunities becomes more defined. What It Means for Norfolk State Woodbury's time with the Vikings could pay immediate dividends for Norfolk State's special teams. He will return with refined knowledge of NFL situational drills, data-driven strategies, and personnel evaluation. These tools can directly impact kick coverage, return schemes, and overall special teams execution. Additionally, his NFL ties may help Norfolk State in recruiting. Connections at the pro level often elevate program credibility, helping attract both players and assistant coaches. A Spotlight on HBCU Excellence The NFL's continued investment in HBCU coaching talent is no accident. Tory Woodbury's inclusion in this year's fellowship signals a commitment to diversifying NFL coaching pipelines-and a recognition of the wealth of talent cultivated at HBCUs. The post NFL fellowship goes to Super Bowl winning HBCU coach appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Former HBCU HC joins NFL coaching fellowship
Former Norfolk State University head coach and HBCU mainstay, Dawson Odums, is taking the next step in his coaching career, joining the Jacksonville Jaguars as part of the NFL's Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship. This prestigious initiative provides minority coaches with invaluable experience working alongside professional teams during offseason programs and training camps. Odums, a respected figure in HBCU football, brings a wealth of experience to the Jaguars. He most recently led Norfolk State from 2021 to 2024. In his debut season, he guided the Spartans to a 6-5 record, their first winning campaign since 2007. His ability to turn around programs and build strong teams has earned him recognition across the HBCU community. Before Norfolk State, Odums had an impactful nine-year tenure as head coach at Southern University. There, he captured multiple SWAC West Division titles and was named SWAC Coach of the Year in 2013. He also served as an assistant coach at several institutions, including Gardner-Webb University, Georgia Southern University, Clark Atlanta University, Bethune-Cookman University, and North Carolina A&T State University. This wide-ranging experience has equipped Odums with a deep understanding of both player development and program building. A native of Shelby, North Carolina, Odums was a standout defensive lineman at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), where he served as team captain and earned All-CIAA honors. He holds a bachelor's degree in physical education from NCCU. Odums' selection for the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship highlights the increasing impact of HBCU coaches in the NFL. Other notable HBCU coaches who have participated in the fellowship include Connell Maynor (Alabama A&M), Trei Oliver (North Carolina Central), and Buddy Pough (South Carolina State). These coaches have not only strengthened the bridge between HBCU programs and the NFL but have also inspired future generations of players and coaches. The Bill Walsh Fellowship provides participants with hands-on experience during NFL training camps and offseason programs. This exposure helps minority coaches refine their skills, expand their networks, and prepare for future opportunities in professional football. Odums will join Ari Confesor and Anthony Gaitor as part of the Jacksonville Jaguars' fellowship group. Together, they will collaborate with the coaching staff, learn advanced strategies, and contribute to the team's development throughout the offseason. The post Former HBCU HC joins NFL coaching fellowship appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
