Livingstone College Men's Football

Sean Gilbert is entering into his second year as Head Football Coach at Livingstone College.   During his first year as head coach of the Blue Bears, Gilbert began rebuilding the tradition and legacy of Livingstone College Football. The defensive unit shined in the inaugural game against Clark AU despite a heart wrenching 13-10 loss. The resilient team would go on to accomplish many milestones under Gilbert’s first year including a historic victory for the homecoming game against St. Augustine. Coach Gilbert and his staff look to build upon his inaugural season with a new and improved coaching staff and mentality.   Gilbert was drafted as the third overall pick to the Los Angeles Rams in the 1992 NFL Draft. Sean’s unique work ethic and intensity on the field would secure a Pro-Bowl selection his rookie year and continue throughout his eleven-year NFL career, which spanned to other organizations such as the Washington Redskins, where he was again voted to the Pro-Bowl, serving as an alternate. He went on to play for the Carolina Panthers and Oakland Raiders prior to retirement in 2003 following injury. Gilbert’s NFL career solidified his legacy not solely as a stellar player, dependable teammate, and accomplished athlete, but also as a well-rounded and forward-thinking visionary, a man of honor and conviction, and a person of integrity beyond football as   Among his accolades, Gilbert has been inducted into the Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame (2009); the WPIAL High School Hall of Fame (2013); served as a coaching intern for the New York Jets training camp; assistant football coach at South Mecklenburg High School and West Charlotte High School in Charlotte, NC for eight years; and served as an advisor/consultant to NFL cornerback Darrelle Revis. Sean is a published author of “The $29 Million ‘Tip:’ How Roger Goodell Earned His Big Pay Day.” His No. 71 football jersey has been retired at Aliquippa High School; and the City of Aliquippa presented him with a flag and proclamation upon his retirement from football in 2003.   Gilbert graduated from Aliquippa High School in Aliquippa, Pa., in 1989 and has become one of the great stories of the small Pittsburgh suburb, emerging to take the world by storm through his athleticism, artistry, coaching, motivational speaking, mentorship, and philanthropy. By the time of Sean’s adolescence, Aliquippa had become a haven for drugs, crime, and poverty, all the while retaining its community-wide love and appreciation for organized sports and athletic competition. Coach Gilbert commenced his successful pre-collegiate career by excelling in sports at Aliquippa High School as a star-defensive tackle for the Aliquippa Quips. During his senior year, Sean was named “Prep Defensive Player of the Year” by USA Today, “All-American” by Parade Magazine and Gatorade Player of the Year, all while leading his team to victory in the Western Pennsylvania AAA Championship. Sean was quickly noticed and recruited by the University of Pittsburgh. As a defensive lineman at Pitt, Gilbert earned All-American honors in 1991 ending his collegiate career against Penn State with 16 tackles and 1-1/2 sacks. He would go on to become an All-American nominee prior to his NFL Draft. Sean Gilbert is recognized for his philanthropy and mentorship, providing resources to various community initiatives and outreaches across America and abroad.  Through the NERIH Family Foundation Sean has provided athletic and academic enrichment, jobs and skills development and educational initiatives in his hometown of Aliquippa as well as in Charlotte, NC where he settled post-NFL. Growing up with an appreciation for all things sports and arts related - he would not only find success as an athlete but in other areas of sports and the fine arts, including theater, voice, music production, songwriting, and arranging. He is the owner of Obediah Music, a Charlotte-based record label and music production company. He has released several albums featuring his soulful vocal agility, captivating songwriting, and cutting-edge production. His record label has also developed and managed the careers of several other musical acts.   Sean Gilbert is a professional athlete, coach, mentor, philanthropist, and artist   A natural born inspirational leader and a very moving motivational speaker, Sean has touched audiences as far as Africa, inspiring many to lifelong change by challenging them to push their limits and faith to achieve greatness. His mentorship has changed the lives and trajectories of many youth - some of whom are now successful athletes, musicians, and business leaders.   Above all and most important to Sean are his four children, DeShaun, A’Lexus, Zaccheaus and A’Lea all of whom are now adults making their own waves in the world, and grandson, Gabriel who he adores.  

Mike Austin is entering his 2nd season as the Assistance Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Livingstone College. Prior to Livingstone, Coach Austin was the Assistance Head Coach West Mecklenburg High School 2019-2020 Coach Austin’s other coaching experience includes; Defensive Coordinate at West Charlotte High School 2017-2019, Defensive Assistance LB Vance High School 2016-2017, and Defensive Assistance Johnson C Smith 2013-2015. Coach Austin graduated from Livingstone College in 1999 where he played defensive back under coach Rudy Abrams.  During his playing career his team win several conference championships from 1995 to 1999.  He was inducted into the Livingstone College Hall of Fame in 2018 along with his entire team.  Coach Austin is married to Angela Austin and they have four children.  

Glenn Reese is entering his first year at Livingstone College, where he serves as Co-Offensive Coordinator and brings nearly two decades of coaching experience at the collegiate and high school levels. A proven offensive strategist, program builder, and mentor, Reese has built a reputation for developing student-athletes and creating dynamic, disciplined offensive systems. Prior to joining Livingstone College, Reese served as Offensive Coordinator at Winston-Salem State University during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Under his leadership, the Rams posted their best record since 2016, while the offense doubled its receiving production and showcased an efficient, high-tempo attack. Before his tenure at Winston-Salem State, Reese was a key member of the coaching staff at North Carolina A&T State University, helping guide the Aggies to consecutive MEAC Championships (2018–2019) and Celebration Bowl titles. During that span, the Aggies consistently fielded one of the top-scoring offenses among HBCU programs at the FCS level. Reese’s coaching career also includes successful stops at Wingate University, Rhodes College, and Lincoln University of Missouri, where his offenses consistently ranked among conference leaders in production, rushing efficiency, and overall performance. A native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Reese earned a Master’s degree in Sports Coaching and Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Mississippi State University. He is a two-time participant in the NCAA/NFL Coaches Academy, an active member of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and the North Carolina Minority Football Coaches Association (NCMFC), and a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Reese’s coaching philosophy centers on accountability, player development, and building adaptable offensive systems that position student-athletes for success both on the field and in the classroom. His commitment to excellence, leadership, and mentorship continues to impact the programs and communities he serves.

Matthew Finnin enters his first season at Livingstone College as Co-Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach. Finnin has established a reputation for transforming offenses into highly productive units while developing collegiate and professional-caliber talent across the NCAA and NJCAA ranks. Most recently, Finnin served as offensive coordinator at Highland Community College in 2024, where he directed one of the nation's most explosive offenses. Under his leadership, Highland ranked among the national leaders in passing offense, total offense, explosive plays, and passing touchdowns while significantly increasing production in every major offensive category from the previous season. Prior to Highland, Finnin served as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Elizabeth City State University from 2022-23. During his tenure, he engineered one of the most dramatic offensive turnarounds in the CIAA, transforming a struggling rushing attack into one of the conference's top ground games. His offense produced multiple all-conference performers and professional prospects, including players who earned opportunities in the Canadian Football League and the HBCU Legacy Bowl. In 2021, Finnin helped lead Chowan University to one of the most successful seasons in program history. The Hawks improved from three wins to seven victories while averaging 38.5 points and 432 yards per game. The offense ranked among the top units in NCAA Division II, and quarterback Bryce Witt earned CIAA Offensive Player of the Year honors after accounting for 3,495 total yards and 37 touchdowns. As offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Independence Community College in 2019, Finnin guided the Pirates to an 8-2 record and a KJCCC Championship after the program posted a 2-8 mark the previous season. The offense ranked among the nation's leaders in scoring, total offense, and rushing offense while helping 16 student-athletes earn FBS opportunities, including future NFL wide receiver Tank Dell. Finnin also enjoyed a highly successful season at Northland Community & Technical College in 2018, earning NJCAA Offensive Coordinator of the Year honors after leading the Pioneers to a Region XIII Championship, an 8-3 record, and a berth in the Red Grange Bowl. His offense ranked among the NJCAA leaders in passing offense, total offense, scoring, and red-zone efficiency while producing multiple NJCAA All-Americans. As a player, Finnin was ranked as Scout.com's No. 1 overall junior college prospect in 2013. Following an All-American career, he received 35 scholarship offers before choosing the University of Nebraska. A three-year letterwinner for the Cornhuskers from 2013-15, Finnin earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History.

Coach Williams enters his fifth season with the Blue Bear Football program, serving as Associate Head Coach, Co-Defensive Coordinator, and Defensive Line Coach. He also leads the program’s recruiting efforts, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of Livingstone Football. Since rejoining Livingstone, Coach Williams has helped transform the Blue Bear defense into one of the CIAA’s most formidable units. Under his leadership, the defense has consistently ranked in the top five in key categories such as rushing defense, red zone efficiency, and sacks. Known for his aggressive, multiple-front schemes, he has developed several All-CIAA defensive linemen and established a reputation for tactical excellence. Off the field, Coach Williams is a dynamic recruiter, building strong pipelines throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. A true program-builder and culture-setter, he has elevated standards of discipline, competitiveness, and student-athlete branding in the NIL era. His championship mindset and meticulous attention to detail continue to drive Livingstone’s football resurgence. Before returning to his alma mater, Coach Williams built a diverse coaching résumé. He spent six years coaching semi-professional football, capturing three championships and two Super Bowl titles. He also served five years at McEachern High School, a Georgia 7A powerhouse, coaching across both the high school and middle school levels. In addition to his coaching career, Coach Williams is a successful entrepreneur and business owner. He holds two master’s degrees—in Entertainment Business and Sports Management with a focus on High School & Collegiate Administration—as well as a master’s certificate in Internet Marketing. A proud native of Buffalo, New York, and a 2003 graduate of Livingstone College, Coach Williams is deeply committed to the institution’s mission and legacy.

Damani Neal is entering his second season as the Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach at Livingstone College. In his first season at Livingstone, Neal coached defensive back Malachi Adkins to CIAA All-Rookie and Draft Diamonds HBCU First Team Freshman All-American accolades. Neal also oversaw the development of defensive back Dallas Johnson and punter Isaac Gallagher who advanced to the FBS/FCS levels following the 2025 season. Under the guidance of Neal, the defense at Livingstone led the CIAA in passing yards per game which notched a top 20 (#17) rank nationally, while also ranking nationally (#22) in yards per completion. The Blue Bears' special teams also proved productive a under Neal's guidance, as the program boasted CIAA #1 rankings in both punting and blocked kicks, along which top 25 rankings in all of Division II for NET Punt through the 10-game regular season. Before joining the Blue Bears, Neal spent the 2024 season at Shaw University, where he led the development of the safeties unit and served as a Special Teams Assistant. While at Shaw, he mentored standout players including All-Conference honoree and current FCS defensive back Noah Gibson, CIAA Freshman of the Week Dyllan Jones, and CIAA Defensive Back of the Week Raegzon Mackey. Neal began his coaching career at Clayton High School (NC), serving as Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach under Head Coach Scott Chadwick. There, he coached two All-Conference athletes and guided a first-year safety to a Top 5 ranking in interceptions statewide. As a student-athlete, Neal played at Duke University under the guidance of current Ohio State Safeties Coach Matt Guerrieri and current Penn State Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles. He was a consistent contributor on special teams and recorded a career-high 8 tackles and 1 sack in the 2018 Walk-On’s Independence Bowl against Temple University. Neal earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Duke University in just three years and later completed a Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Florida in 2022. Coach Neal and his wife have a 4 year old daughter, and a 5 month old son.