MSB: Bowie State Builds a Championship-Caliber Coaching Staff Under Dawson Odums
MSB: Bowie State Builds a Championship-Caliber Coaching Staff Under Dawson Odums
The message from Bowie State football is clear: the Bulldogs are not interested in rebuilding—they’re aiming to compete for CIAA championships immediately.
When Bowie State hired veteran coach Dawson Odums earlier this year, the university landed one of the most accomplished coaches in HBCU football. Now, with the completion of his inaugural coaching staff, Odums has surrounded himself with experienced assistants who have coached at the FBS, FCS, Division II, NFL, and even professional spring football levels.
For a Bowie State program looking to bounce back after a difficult 2025 campaign, this staff represents one of the most experienced collections of coaches in the CIAA.
Odums Brings Championship Pedigree
Odums arrives in Bowie with more than 25 years of collegiate coaching experience and a résumé few Division II coaches can match.
Before taking over the Bulldogs, Odums served as head coach at Southern University, where he posted a 63-35 record, won the 2013 SWAC Championship, captured four SWAC West Division titles and earned SWAC Coach of the Year honors. He later guided Norfolk State before accepting the Bowie State position in February 2026. Throughout his career, his teams have consistently ranked among conference leaders in defense, rushing offense, special teams and player development.
His philosophy centers on discipline, accountability and developing complete student-athletes.
“We are all invested in the standard and the discipline of the small things. The majority of the assistant coaches have worked around me before, so they understand how to chop wood, carry water and trust the process.” — Dawson Odums
That quote perfectly summarizes why so many familiar faces followed him to Bowie.
Jason Phillips — Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks
Perhaps the biggest addition is offensive coordinator Jason Phillips.
Phillips owns more than two decades of coaching experience and has established himself as one of the more respected offensive minds in HBCU football.
Most recently, he helped direct Alcorn State’s offense during one of its most successful stretches, producing SWAC championship-caliber units and helping the Braves reach the Celebration Bowl. He also reunited with Odums after previously serving together at Norfolk State.
Phillips has earned a reputation for:
- Quarterback development
- Balanced offensive schemes
- Productive rushing attacks
- Efficient red-zone execution
For a Bowie offense searching for consistency last season, his arrival could dramatically change the Bulldogs’ identity.
Aaron Tiller — Run Game Coordinator / Defensive Line
Aaron Tiller may be one of the rising young defensive coaches in HBCU football.
A former standout defensive lineman at Southern University under Odums, Tiller earned multiple First-Team All-SWAC honors before beginning his coaching career.
Since then, he’s accumulated an impressive professional résumé that includes work with:
- Tennessee Titans
- XFL
- AAF
- Arena Football League
- Albany Empire championship staff
- Grambling State
At Grambling, his defensive front consistently pressured quarterbacks and ranked among the SWAC’s better pass-rushing units.
His NFL and professional experience should immediately benefit Bowie’s defensive line.
LaQuaid Manago — Run Game Coordinator / Offensive Line
Offensive line coach LaQuaid Manago has quietly built one of the stronger developmental résumés among HBCU assistants.
His previous stops include:
- North Carolina A&T
- Norfolk State
- Shaw
- Winston-Salem State
- Elizabeth City State
While at North Carolina A&T, Manago helped coach a MEAC championship team. He also participated in the NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Washington Commanders, giving him valuable NFL exposure.
Strong offensive line play has traditionally been one of Odums’ trademarks, making Manago an important hire.
Avery Williams — Associate Head Coach / Linebackers
Unlike many members of the staff, Avery Williams provides continuity.
Williams remains from the previous Bowie State coaching staff and has helped oversee one of Division II’s strongest defensive units over the past several seasons.
During his tenure, Bowie consistently ranked among national leaders in:
- Sacks
- Turnovers
- Scoring defense
- Tackles for loss
He’s also been part of multiple CIAA championship teams and NCAA Division II playoff appearances.
Keeping Williams gives the Bulldogs valuable institutional knowledge while maintaining defensive continuity.
Blake Yorloff — Special Teams Coordinator / Defensive Backs
Blake Yorloff brings an intriguing background.
Before arriving at Bowie State, he coached at:
- Southern University
- Paetow High School (Texas)
At Southern, Yorloff contributed to one of the SWAC’s better defensive units while helping produce elite special teams play.
Special teams often determine close games in the CIAA, making his role especially important.
Jay Grimes — Wide Receivers
Jay Grimes owns one of the more unique résumés on the staff.
His coaching journey includes:
- University of Central Florida
- The John Carroll School (Maryland)
- NFL development opportunities
At John Carroll, Grimes helped engineer a significant offensive turnaround while coordinating the junior varsity offense.
His combination of college, high school and NFL experience gives Bowie another energetic recruiter and developer of receivers.
Marcus Bradley — Running Backs
Marcus Bradley joins Bowie after coaching at:
- Benedict College
- Prairie View A&M
Bradley has developed productive rushing attacks while coaching in two of the nation’s strongest HBCU conferences.
His familiarity with recruiting throughout the Southeast should also strengthen Bowie’s recruiting footprint.
Shaska Davis — Director of Football Operations
While fans naturally focus on coordinators, successful programs rely heavily on football operations.
Shaska Davis returns for her second season directing:
- Recruiting logistics
- Team travel
- Daily operations
- Administrative management
Her résumé includes experience with the NFL’s Houston Texans, the NBA’s Washington Wizards and several collegiate athletic departments.
Familiarity Matters
One theme stands out throughout Odums’ staff.
Many assistants have previously coached alongside him.
That familiarity allows implementation of the offensive and defensive systems to happen much faster than if an entirely new staff were assembled.
Instead of teaching terminology from scratch, many coaches already understand Odums’ expectations.
That continuity could prove invaluable when preseason camp opens.
Recruiting Impact
This coaching staff also significantly upgrades Bowie’s recruiting reach.
Collectively, these coaches have recruited in:
- Maryland
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Texas
- Mississippi
They’ve also coached in the:
- CIAA
- MEAC
- SWAC
- FCS
- NFL
Those relationships should immediately expand Bowie’s recruiting footprint across the HBCU landscape.
MSB Analysis
Hiring Dawson Odums was a major move.
Completing this staff may prove even bigger.
Rather than assembling a group of inexperienced assistants, Bowie State landed proven coordinators, former championship coaches, respected recruiters and coaches with NFL experience.
The Bulldogs won’t suddenly become champions overnight, but the infrastructure now resembles that of a championship program.
For a school with Bowie State’s football tradition, that’s exactly what fans hoped to see after the coaching change.
If this staff develops talent the way their résumés suggest, the Bulldogs should quickly return to contending near the top of the CIAA.
MSB Take
Grade: A
Dawson Odums didn’t simply hire assistants—he assembled a staff with championship experience at nearly every position. The combination of proven coordinators, NFL exposure, HBCU recruiting connections and returning defensive leadership gives Bowie State one of the strongest coaching staffs in the CIAA heading into the 2026 season.
