BOWIE, MD — Bowie State head football coach Dawson Odums has rounded out his 2026 football staff with a full group of coordinators, position coaches and support staff as the Bulldogs prepare for his first season leading the program.

The staff features a blend of new additions and experienced coaches across the offensive and defensive units, along with key operational leadership, as Bowie State continues its push for sustained success in the CIAA.

Among the key additions are Jason Phillips (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks), Aaron Tiller (run game coordinator/defensive line), LaQuaid Manago (run game coordinator/offensive line), Marcus Bradley (running backs), Blake Yorloff, and Jay Grimes (wide receivers).

Avery Williams returns as associate head coach/linebackers coach, continuing his leadership of one of the most productive defensive units in NCAA Division II football.

Phillips joins Bowie State with more than 20 years of coaching experience, most recently helping guide Alcorn State's offense to some of the top statistical rankings in the SWAC, including a conference championship and Celebration Bowl appearance.

Tiller arrives after coaching at Grambling State, where he helped develop one of the top pass-rushing defenses in the FCS, while also bringing professional experience with the Tennessee Titans, AAF, XFL and AFL, including a championship with the Albany Empire.

Manago brings more than a decade of experience across multiple programs, including North Carolina A&T, Shaw and Norfolk State, and was part of a MEAC championship staff while also participating in the NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Washington Commanders.

Bradley enters his first season at Bowie State after stops at Benedict College and Prairie View A&M, while Yorloff joins after coaching at Paetow High School in Texas and Southern University, where he contributed to a SWAC-leading defense and elite special teams production.

Grimes enters his first season at BSU after building a diverse coaching background across the high school, collegiate, and NFL levels. He began his coaching career at the University of Central Florida as a student assistant working with the wide receivers, later serving at The John Carroll School where he helped lead a major offensive turnaround as junior varsity offensive coordinator.

Shaska Davis enters her second year as director of football operations, overseeing logistics, recruiting coordination and program administration, while also bringing experience from the Washington Wizards, Houston Texans and collegiate athletics departments.

Williams brings experience and familiarity to the defensive staff after helping lead BSU to multiple CIAA championships and NCAA Division II playoff appearances, with the Bulldogs consistently ranking among the national leaders in turnovers, sacks and scoring defense.

"We are all invested in the standard and the discipline of the small things," said head coach Dawson Odums. "The majority of the assistant coaches have worked around me before, so they understand how to chop wood, carry water and trust the process. Go Dawgs!" 

Dawson Odums – Head Coach
Aaron Tiller – Run Game Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach
Avery Williams – Associate Head Coach/Linebackers Coach
Blake Yorloff – Special Teams Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach
Jason Phillips – Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
Jay Grimes – Wide Receivers Coach
LaQuaid Manago – Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach
Marcus Bradley – Running Backs Coach
Shaska Davis – Director of Football Operations

For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State University Athletics and its 14 varsity sports teams, visit www.bsubulldogs.com.