Fort Valley State names Marlon Watson as head football coach

Fort Valley State University has named Marlon Watson as the Wildcats’ new head football coach, according to a university news release.

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Fort Valley State University has named Marlon Watson as the Wildcats’ new head football coach, according to a university news release.

Watson, who replaces Shawn Gibbs following his departure to North Carolina A&T State University, joins FVSU after two seasons at Prairie View A&M University, where he served as the special teams coordinator and defensive ends coach. During his tenure, he helped guide PVAMU to the 2023 SWAC Western Division Championship and led improvements in PATs, field goals and net punting. He also mentored All-SWAC honorees and future professional players.

“We are excited to welcome Marlon Watson to the Wildcat family,” FVSU President Paul Jones, Ph.D, said. “His depth of experience, leadership qualities and ability to elevate student-athletes on and off the field make him an outstanding choice to lead our football program. We look forward to seeing the energy and excellence he brings to Wildcat Nation.”

Watson’s coaching career includes roles as defensive coordinator at Upper Iowa University and Elizabeth City State University. He also spent time at Alabama A&M University, where he developed standout players such as All-SWAC linebacker Kenny Davis and played a key role in recruiting record-setting quarterback Aqeel Glass and running back Jordan Bentley.

“Thank you to President Paul Jones, Interim Athletic Director Daphnie Johnson, and the entire search committee for the opportunity to be the head football coach,” Watson said. “I am grateful and extremely honored for the opportunity to lead the Fort Valley State University football program. FVSU has a rich tradition of academic and athletic excellence. I look forward to serving our phenomenal student-athletes, partnering with our dedicated staff and fostering a positive relationship with our passionate community to build on that legacy.”

Watson’s coaching background also includes stops at Georgia Military College and Bethel University in Tennessee, where he helped lead the team to multiple NAIA playoff appearances. At the high school level, he served as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Joliet West High School in Illinois.

“I look forward to seeing Coach Marlon Watson’s leadership as our head football coach. He is an outstanding and authentic man with a strong passion for developing young men,” Johnson said. “His track record of competitive success at the collegiate levels makes me confident that he will lead our football program to new heights. We welcome his wife Jasmine, and his children, Brayden, Brianna, and Brynleigh, to the Valley.”

A Chicago native, Watson played linebacker at Northern Illinois University, where he was part of a program that reached a No. 10 national ranking in 2003. He earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from NIU and later obtained a master’s degree in education from Bethel University.

FVSU will formally introduce Watson at a news conference at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 14, at the Christine and Willie C. Jones Amphitheater.