Trumaine Watson is in his second season as tight ends coach at Norfolk State University. Watson also serves as recruiting coordinator for the Spartans.
Watson comes to Park Avenue after a successful four-year stint at Virginia State University, where he served as assistant head coach, run game coordinator and offensive line coach. Watson led a unit which ranked 18th in the country in 2019 in rushing yards and featured three-time All-CIAA selection and Division II All-American Frank Ball. Watson also mentored All-CIAA tight end Maurice Davis in 2018.
Watson also served as head strength and conditioning coach his first year with VSU.
Prior to Virginia State, Watson coached at the Trojans’ rival, Virginia Union University, for four seasons. He held the titles of associate head coach, offensive tackles and tight ends coach, and head strength and conditioning coach during his tenure. While at VUU, Watson coached an All-CIAA lineman in 2017 (Shamdu Nalls) and All-CIAA tight end in 2015 (Rashun Smith). In 2015, VUU both rushed and passed for more than 2,000 yards as a team. In 2016, Watson’s line blocked for a 1,300-yard rusher.
Watson has also had two stints as Bill Walsh Minority Fellowship assistant coach, with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 (tight ends) and Minnesota Vikings in 2021 (offensive line). He got his start in coaching by serving as offensive coordinator at Highland Springs High School in the Richmond area.
Watson was a standout lineman at Virginia Union University. He anchored an offensive line that led the CIAA in rushing in 2007 and 2008, including a CIAA record-setting 495-yard rushing performance in 2008.
Watson is a native of Kannapolis, North Carolina and proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He and his wife, Tanesha, have two sons, Trumaine Jr. and Tahj.
