Bluefield, WV- Davon Morgan is the new head football coach at Bluefield State University. Morgan’s hiring was announced on Tuesday by BSU VP of Intercollegiate Athletics, Derrick Price, at the Club on the Green in Bluefield, WV. Morgan, who was a Virginia Tech football captain and star (2007-2010), met with members of the B-State football team, then fielded media questions and met BSU fans, friends, alumni, and the community during the program.
Asked about his thoughts about the challenges and opportunities of his new position as head coach of the Big Blue football program, he responded, “The question isn’t “Why Bluefield State?’ It’s ‘Why not Bluefield State?’ I see an opportunity to revive a program that wants to thrive on and off the field. The administration gets it and understands what it’s going to take to win. They have done a tremendous job with their efforts in rebranding the University. Now, my focus is to put in the work of building a team that the community and the State of West Virginia can be proud of. We will have the ‘Blue Collar, Gold Standard’ mentality.'”
“I strongly believe that Bluefield State is like a Diamond in the rough,” he continued. “Remember a diamond is just a piece of coal that did well under pressure. It’s time to apply pressure and let our actions speak for us!” He succeeds Tony Coaxum, who resigned as B-State football coach this January, after helping to launch the resurrection of the University’s football program in 2021 following a 40-year absence.
Dr. Darrin Martin, BSU Interim President, welcomed Coach Morgan to campus and thanked the football coach search committee for its thorough and expeditious work. “Davon Morgan’s experience as a student-athlete playing for Virginia Tech coaches Frank Beamer and Bud Foster, his years as a professional football player, and as a very successful assistant coach at the collegiate level have prepared him well for this opportunity. He is invested in the success of the University’s student-athletes in the classroom, on the football field, in the community, and in their careers and lives after graduation.”
“These are exciting times at Bluefield State University,” BSU Board of Governors chairman Charlie Cole said. “Coach Morgan is a dynamic leader who has experienced considerable success as a player and coach. He joins the Big Blue family just a few days after the B-State men’s and women’s basketball teams made history with their success in last week’s CIAA tournament. These are exciting times for Bluefield State University.”
Coach Morgan comes to BSU from Florida A&M University. He was the defensive pass game coordinator of the Rattlers’ very successful team. His defense ranked in the top 25 in the nation in six statistical categories. In 2023 at FAMU, Morgan’s defense was the top-ranked secondary in the nation at the FCS level.
The new BSU football coach has a track record of developing student-athletes who have reached the NFL, including defensive backs K’Von Wallace (former Clemson standout now playing with the Tennessee Titans) and Jalen Elliott (former Notre Dame star now playing with the Pittsburgh Steelers).
As a member of the Virginia Tech football team (2007-2010), Morgan was a team captain and an All-Atlantic Coast selection honors as a defensive back. He helped lead the Hokies to three Conference Championships and three BCS Bowl games and was a member of the all-time winningest class in Virginia Tech football history.
“I am very grateful for the dedicated efforts of our search committee for finding an exceptional candidate to lead our football program,” Derrick Price, VP of Intercollegiate Athletics, said. Price also expressed his appreciation for each of the candidates who took part in the search process.
“To our new head football Coach, Davon Morgan, I extend my warmest welcome and heartfelt congratulations,” Price added. “Your track record of success, commitment to student-athlete development, and passion for the game of football make you the ideal leader for the Big Blue. Thank you for joining B-State. I look forward to witnessing the very positive impact you will make on our football program and this University.”
