New VSU coach Byron Thweatt Inherits A Win-Now Team

ETTRICK, Virginia — Byron Thweatt wasted little time in reaching out to Virginia State athletic director Peggy Davis to indicate his interest in the vacant head coaching position three weeks ago. The position was a dream job for the former Richmond University assistant football coach who grew up in Ettrick, remembered getting haircuts at the university barber shop and graduated from Matoaca High School.

After passing on an opportunity to join the Trojans' coaching staff two years ago, Thweatt was not going to let another chance slip away. When he walked out of his interview Tuesday morning, the one-time NFL linebacker thought he had exceeded all expectations during the interview process. However, he did not want to be overly confident after comparing it to feeling good about a test as a child, only to not have done as great as once thought.

But those concerns were unwarranted as only two days later, Thweatt stepped up to the podium to be introduced as Virginia State University's 24th head football coach in team history. And in the minutes which followed, Thweatt addressed alumni in attendance, media and Trojans players with an opening statement which seemed to solidify he was right hire.


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