GILLUS NAMED NEW NORFOLK STATE FOOTBALL COACH

NORFOLK, Va. —Norfolk State President Dr. Marie V. McDemmond and Athletics Director Orby Moss announced the hiring of Norfolk State graduate and ex-Spartan Willie Gillus Jr. as the school’s new football coach on Tuesday afternoon.

Gillus takes over the Spartans after serving as offensive coordinator since 1999 at Virginia Union University in Richmond. Gillus, who becomes the 15th coach in Norfolk State history, also served as recruiting coordinator, strength and conditioning coach, and pro football liaison at Virginia Union. He replaces Mo Forte, who resigned in November.

“Everything happens for a reason,” Moss said. “We have a man who has passion and will represent Norfolk State well.”  “I’m excited to come back home,” Gillus said. “My memories of Norfolk State are of a fun-filled stadium and winning. I can’t wait to get Norfolk State back to winning ways.”

Gillus gradated from NSU with a bachelor of science degree in kinesiotherapy in 1988. He quarterbacked the Spartans from 1982-85, and is third on the school’s all-time passing yardage list and fifth all-time in total yardage. 

For his career, Gillus completed 240 of his 541 passes for 3,740 yards and 27 touchdowns. He was also an instrumental part of the 1984 team, which set an NSU single-season record for wins, finishing 10-2, winning the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association title and gaining an NCAA Division II playoff berth.

“I can relate to the players here,” Gillus said. “I’ve gone through some of the same things they go through.”  “It’s nice to have someone who knows what it takes here,” said NSU running back Terrell Johnson. “And hopefully he can help bring that exciting edge that will help fill the stadium.”

After graduating from Norfolk State, Gillus was a member of the Green Bay Packers in the 1987 strike season. He was later signed by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1993 but was released by the team before the season. In between NFL teams, Gillus had five successful seasons in the Canadian Football League, one as a member of the British Columbia Lions’ 1988 Grey Cup runner-up team and four on the Toronto Argonauts, who won the Grey Cup in 1991. 

After leaving pro football, Gillus embarked on a successful coaching career at Surry County High School in Surry County, VA. In five seasons, his teams compiled a 53-12 record (.815), including the 1998 Virginia Group A Division I title. Gillus was Tri-Rivers District Coach of the Year four times and Region A Coach of the Year twice.

After his stint at Surry, Gillus reunited with VUU head coach Willard Bailey, who coached Gillus at NSU in the 1980s. Also on Tuesday, Gillus announced the names of three assistants who will serve on his staff: Michael Armour, who was quarterbacks and receivers coach under Forte; Robert Jackson, the head coach at Landstown High School in Virginia Beach; and Larry Archie, the head coach of I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth and son of former NSU head coach Bill Archie, the Spartans’ head coach from 1961-66.

Gillus, 39, is a native of Emporia, VA. He is married to the former Amy Owens, herself a Norfolk State graduate. They have three children: Tiffany (15), Taleesa (12) and Willie III (8). “When a relationship doesn’t work, it’s usually because there isn’t love between the two people,” Gillus said. “But I love the people here, and I want them to love me. We’re going to win on the field and in the classroom.”

NSU Home    Sitemap    Contact Us  

© Copyright Norfolk State University -  All Rights Reserved.