Veteran HBCU Coach Dawson Odums to Lead Bowie State Bulldogs
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Posted By: Will Moss on January 31, 2026 The Bowie State University Bulldogs are set to welcome a seasoned HBCU head coach to their sidelines. According to reports, Dawson Odums, previously the head coach at Norfolk State University, has been offered and is expected to accept the head coaching position at Bowie State. Odums, a North Carolina Central University graduate, brings a wealth of experience to the Bulldogs. He is a former SWAC Coach of the Year and Southwestern Athletic Conference champion, compiling an impressive 63-32 record and leading the Southern University Jaguars to four division titles during his nine-year tenure from 2012 to 2020. Odums later spent four seasons at Norfolk State, where he went 15-26. Key Takeaway: Dawson Odums' return to the CIAA aligns with Bowie State's ambitions to rebound after back-to-back losing seasons, their first stretch of that kind since 2011.
Just a few seasons ago, Bowie State was one of Division II's top HBCU programs, winning 12 games in 2021 and advancing to the NCAA quarterfinals. However, the momentum faded quickly under former head coach Kyle Jackson, who was let go after a 3-7 campaign in 2025, his fourth season leading the program. Odums' coaching experience extends beyond the HBCU realm, with stints at Georgia Southern and Clark Atlanta University. His return to the CIAA is seen as a significant move that could help the Bulldogs regain their position as one of the premier HBCU football programs in the nation. "Dawson Odums' proven track record of success at the HBCU level, coupled with his ability to rebuild and revitalize programs, makes him the ideal candidate to lead the Bowie State Bulldogs back to their winning ways," said an HBCUConnect.com analyst. "This is an exciting development for the CIAA and the entire HBCU sports community." As the Bulldogs prepare to embark on a new era under Odums' leadership, the HBCU community eagerly awaits to see how the veteran coach will shape the team's future and bring the program back to the forefront of Division II football. Originally reported by HBCU Sports. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Will Moss
Founder & CEO, HBCU CONNECT, LLC Hampton University class of 1995 Member Since June 1999 |
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