Marlon Watson out as Fort Valley State football coach

Watson went 6-14 during two seasons with the Wildcats. The university expects to name an interim coach within the next few days.

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Fort Valley State University has parted ways with head football coach Marlon Watson, effective immediately, the university announced Friday in a social media post.

The university said it would name an interim head coach within the next couple of days.

“We thank Coach Watson for his service to Fort Valley State University and wish him continued success,” the university said.

The Wildcats finished 2-8 in 2026 after going 4-6 in 2025, Watson’s first season as head coach.

Fort Valley State hired Watson in February 2025 to replace Shawn Gibbs, who left for North Carolina A&T State University. Watson had spent two seasons at Prairie View A&M as special teams coordinator and defensive ends coach.