By: Ashlyn J. Wilson with SGJC Student News Network
Morgan State University formally introduces Damon Wilson as the new head football coach and Vice President and Athletic Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dena Freeman-Patton at a press conference Friday morning.
“This is a really exciting day for our university,” said President David K Wilson.
The university announced his hiring on May 26, shortly after President Wilson appointed Dena Freeman-Patton as the vice president and director for intercollegiate athletics.
Freeman-Patton is the first woman to lead athletic operations in the university’s 155-year history.
Great Day for Morgan St. Athletics!
— Herb Courtney II (@therscfirmCEO) June 10, 2022
Congratulations to President Wilson and VP/ Director of Athletics @BmoreDFP on a great hire! Coach Wilson is a a proven Champion.
The football program is in great hands under his leadership.@theRSCfirm#RenaissanceSearch pic.twitter.com/LkYzq9oohW
Wilson, the 23rd head coach in the program, replaced former head coach Tyrone Wheatley who left the program in February to accept a position as the running back coach for the Denver Broncos.
The former Division II coach has years of successful experience coaching football as he led the Bowie State University Bulldogs to win three consecutive CIAA conference championships (2018, 2019, 2021).
— Damon Wilson (@MorganStCoach) June 2, 2022
“He’s a proven winner and that’s what we need. He also can build a program,” said Freeman-Patton. “More importantly he develops men.”
The Morgan State University football team ended the past season with a 2-9 overall record and 1-4 in the Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference. Morgan State has not won a MEAC title since 1979.
“Damon is going to bring in that quality coaching, he’s going to develop these players…,” said Hans Ramsey, former New York Jets guard and 1979 MEAC undefeated champion at Morgan. “It’s no superstars.[sic] They're good, but we can make them better.”
Freeman-Patton and President Wilson hired coach Wilson just two months shy of the season opener. However, coach Wilson is ready to work.
“We’re going to put the playbook in their hand, and we’re going to teach them to follow the rules and with the time align it,” said coach Wilson. “We’re going to take advantage of the time that we do have. We’re not going to focus on what we don't have.”
The former Bulldogs coach left the Bowie State football team with an 89-45 record, five-time winner of the MEAC Northern Division and four NCAA Division II playoff trips. In 2021, Wilson was named the American Football Coaches Association Division II Coach of the Year.
“I feel like the coach is a good new hire. He has a good track record,” said defensive lineman Elijah Williams. “He's shown that he can make a winning program and I really appreciate him being here.”
The Bears football season will begin Sept 3 as they will travel to face Georgia Southern to kick off the season.