Don Nelson enters his first season as the offensive line coach at Norfolk State in 2024.
Nelson spent his last two years as the offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator at Alabama State. He helped the Hornets go 7-4 in 2023, the team’s best record since 2014, while coaching offensive linemen Dominic Boyd and Arelious Dunn to All-SWAC accolades.
As a unit, Nelson’s offensive line allowed just 15 sacks during the entire 2023 season, tied for the best mark in the conference. In addition to his coaching duties, Nelson was responsible for recruiting the state of Texas, the southern California region, and all Kansas junior colleges.
Prior to joining Alabama State, Nelson served as the offensive line coach, recruiting coordinator, and run game coordinator at Morehouse for four years. In his final year, the Maroon Tigers went 4-2 in the SIAC, the team’s best league record since 2011.
During the 2019 season, Nelson spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, coaching the offensive line and breaking down film as part of a Bill Walsh Internship.
Nelson served as the running backs coach at Midwestern State from 2016-18, recruiting the central Texas and College Station areas. He also spent two years at Langston as the running backs and assistant run game coordinator.
Nelson’s previous stints also include time at Pasadena City College (running backs/slot receivers), Occidental College (running backs), and Tabor (assistant offensive line/tight ends).
Nelson graduated from Tabor College in 2012 with a bachelor of arts in kinesiology.
