Savannah State University Men's Football

Thomas Howard was named the 28th head football coach in the history of the program on December 22, 2025. Howard comes to Savannah State with an extensive resume that has landed him eight different coaching jobs in seven states. Most recently, he served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Fayetteville State where he helped guide the Broncos to a 6–1 record in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association play. His defense ranked among the nation's best, finishing top 15 in rushing defense, top five in sacks, and top 10 in tackles for loss, while leading the CIAA in all four categories, including interceptions.  Before joining the staff Fayetteville State, Howard was the Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach at Alabama A&M University. There he coached SWAC 2nd All-Conference players, Cortez Andrews (LB), Dorian Wesley (DL), and Delvon Gulley (DB).    During the 2024 season, he also coached 2 FCS Freshman All-Americans Gulley (DB) and Arenza Davis (DL).   Prior to joining the staff at Alabama A&M, Howard served as the Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers coach at South Carolina State University.  Howard had the opportunity to work under one of college football coaching greats in Oliver "Buddy" Pough.  His defense finished as one of the top defenses in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), finishing first in the conference in rush defense.  Howard also coached All- MEAC linebacker Aaron Smith, defensive end Patrick Godbolt, and defensive tackle Naejuan Barber.      Before joining the staff at S.C. State, Howard was an integral part of the championship run at North Carolina A&T State University from 2015-2022.    During Howard's time at N.C. A&T, he helped lead the Aggies to four HBCU Black College National Championships, four Celebration Bowl Championships, and four MEAC championships. He began his time at N.C. A&T, under Coach Rod Broadway, coaching the inside linebackers.  After the promotion of defensive coordinator and secondary coach Sam Washington to head coach in 2018, Washington assigned Howard as defensive backs coach.    Going into the 2022 season, Howard moved back to coaching inside linebackers and served as North Carolina A&T’s defensive passing coordinator. Howard led the defense to the numerous Big South Conference honors, including tops in total defense, rush defense, pass defense and pass defense efficiency.  Also, the Aggies ranked in the Top 20 in all categories nationally. Howard also coached Big South First Team All-Conference linebacker Tyquan King and Pre-Season All-American, Big South Second Team All-Conference linebacker Jacob Roberts.   In his first season as defensive backs coach, cornerbacks Frank “Mac” McCain III (NFL DB) and Timadre Abram earned First Team All-MEAC honors. In addition, safety Jamaal Darden was second on the team in tackles, and the Aggies ranked 12th nationally in passing yards allowed. The following season, the Aggies ranked 35th nationally in interceptions.    In his first season with North Carolina A&T, Howard coached linebacker Denzel Jones to his first postseason honor as he earned Second Team All-MEAC recognition. In addition, Jones was also named the Celebration Bowl Defensive MVP.  A native of Riverdale, Georgia and former standout defensive back at Morehouse College, Howard was a two-time team captain for the Maroon Tigers and graduated cum laude with a degree in early childhood development in 2003. Howard has one daughter, Nyla, and one son, Wade.  

Coach Shawn Thomas joins the Savannah State University football staff as the Tigers special teams coordinator. Thomas comes to SSU after working two years as both co-coordinator and special teams coordinator at Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Florida. While on staff at Trinity the kicking game saw improvements with skill players as well as the overall special teams operations. Thomas also assisted a punting unit that averaged 39 or more yards on all punts, pinning opponents inside the five-yard line five times during the 2025 season. Coach Thomas' kickoff team, nicknamed the "Black Ops", allowed only one return during the 2025 season and only allowed opponents to reach the 25-yard line or less throughout the season.  Coach Thomas developed a number of kickers and punters during his two years at Trinity with senior kicker Jake Landreth landing honorable mention honors in Jacksonville.  Prior to coaching at Trinity Christian Academy , Thomas spent time at the FCS level at Norfolk State University under head coach Dawson Odoms working with specialists who all achieved accolades for Player of the Week  in the MEAC during the 2023 season.  Under the coaching guidance of Coach Thomas Norfolk States special teams skill players were one of the more consistent kicker punter units in the MEAC. Prior to Norfolk State, Thomas spent time at Camden County High School in Kingsland, Georgia where he was responsible for setting up one of the more consistent kicker and punter programs in the region. During his time at Camden from 2019-21, Thomas had three players named First Team All Region in the 7A conference. In addition, he also had a kicker ranked in the top 30 in the nation by Kohl Kicking Camp and led the conference in touch-backs.   Before Camden County, Thomas worked at Gates County High School in Gatesville, North Carolina from 2016-18.    In 2012, Thomas made his way back to the collegiate level, joining the coaching staff at Elizabeth City State University where he helped the program compete for the CIAA championship against Winston-Salem State University. While at ECSU, Thomas assisted as a special teams coach, helping with scout reports and also trained and evaluated kicker, punter, and long snapper development.    Thomas spent 2011 at Catawba College, where he was able to assist in improving the performance of snappers and kickers for the Indians and during the 2009-10 seasons, Thomas saw time as an assistant coach at North Carolina A&T State University, where he served as the specialist coach. He coached the placekickers, long snappers and punters.   Thomas started his college coaching career at Division III Guilford College in 2008, working with the Quakers punters and kickers.   Prior to coaching college football, Thomas spent five seasons kicking in the Arena Football League2 and the National Indoor Football League with teams in North Carolina and Florida 2000-2007. While with the Greensboro Revolution of the NIFL, Thomas recorded a record long 53-yard field goal.   He began his coaching career at North Davidson High School under the leadership of Mark Holcomb. While at North Davidson, Thomas coached the kickers and special teams. Two former players, Ben Hartman and Justin Durham, went on to have stellar college careers at East Carolina and Coastal Carolina, respectively.   An all-star kicker at Paxon School for the Advanced Studies, coached by Seth McCullough, in Jacksonville, Fla., Thomas was selected all-conference and all-city after booting eight field goals of over 40 yards. While at Winston-Salem State, Thomas was a four-year member of the Rams football program (1996-1999) under head coach Kermit Blunt. He earned First Team All-CIAA honors in 1997 and 1999. During the 1999 season, Thomas’ CIAA-leading 11 field goals and 27 extra points helped WSSU to the conference championship. Thomas was also an NCAA statistical leader in field during the 1999 season, ranking #14th in NCAA Division II in field goal percentages made.   Thomas has a B.S, in recreation administration, and received an ROTC Army Officer Commission from North Carolina A&T State University in 2007. He is a veteran and former Army medical captain in the military ,finishing with 23 years of service.

Matthew Fultz enters his first season at Savannah State University as Director of Player Development, bringing more than two decades of leadership experience in coaching, athlete development, and mental performance. A retired U.S. Army veteran and experienced football coach, Fultz is committed to the holistic development of student-athletes, emphasizing leadership, accountability, mental resilience, and preparation for life beyond football. In his role with the Tigers, Fultz leads initiatives focused on character and leadership development, mental performance training, and player mentorship while supporting student-athletes as they navigate the demands of academics, athletics, and personal growth. His approach integrates mental skills training, goal setting, and performance preparation to help athletes maximize their potential both on and off the field. Prior to joining Savannah State, Fultz served as Associate Head Coach at Thomas Jefferson High School in Tampa, Florida, where he led player development initiatives and provided mental performance coaching to student-athletes. He previously held coaching roles at Bloomingdale High School in Valrico, Florida, where he helped develop multiple Division I defensive backs and contributed to guiding programs to historic milestones, including an FHSAA Class 7A state semifinal appearance.   Fultz holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health from the University of Western States and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from the University of Charleston. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Sport and Performance Psychology at the University of Western States.  

Randall Moss has been a part of the Savannah State football program since 2013. Born in Cleveland, Ohio and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Moss came to Savannah State as a student equipment manager after graduating from Jean Ribault Senior High School in 2013. Since then, he has held various roles within the football and basketball programs. Moss worked as an assistant offensive line coach in 2014 and from 2015-17 was an assistant defensive backs coach. In 2018 he was an assistant linebackers coach and the following year he worked with the outside linebackers.  From 2021-25,  Moss has worked with the linebackers which has resulted in six players earning All-SIAC honors, one HBCU All-American honorable mention and one HBCU Legacy Bowl participant. During the years of 2016-18, he worked as assistant video coordinator and in 2019 was promoted to video coordinator. Since 2022, Moss has held the positions of assistant basketball coach and video coordinator for the Savannah State men's basketball program. His contributions to the team has helped SSU win the 2025 SIAC basketball tournament championship & reach NCAA Division II playoffs. During this time, Moss has coached four All-SIAC selections, three All-SIAC tournament selections , and one SIAC tournament MVP and one HBCU second team All-American. A member of the Savannah State Dean's List and honor roll, Moss is majoring in mass communications and will receive his undergraduate degree in May 2026  

Quentin Burrell enters his first season at Savannah State University as the Assistant Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, and Quarterbacks Coach, bringing more than two decades of coaching experience and a strong background in developing student-athletes both on and off the field. Prior to joining Savannah State, Burrell spent three seasons at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, serving as the Wide Receivers Coach from 2023–2025. From 2016-2021, Burrell was on the  coaching staff at Grambling State University. During his five seasons with the Tigers, Burrell helped the program capture two conference championships and the 2016 HBCU National Championship, while also contributing to back-to-back appearances in the Celebration Bowl in 2016 and 2017. Prior to joining the GSU staff, Burrell coached at his alma mater, Southwest DeKalb High School, in Decatur, Ga.  He coached there from 2006 to 2011 and was a part of two No. 1-ranked defenses in the state. Southwest DeKalb made playoff appearances in each of Burrell’s six seasons with the program.   In 2011, he became the defensive coordinator at Miller Grove high school, in Lithonia, Ga. and led Miller Grove to its first winning season in the school’s short history. Burrell has mentored over 20 all-state players, three high school All-Americans, and was instrumental in helping all receive their college degrees.   The former Notre Dame defensive back was a two-year starter, three-year letterman, and earned the privilege of being a captain his senior year. During his career at Notre Dame, Burrell made two bowl game appearances with the Fighting Irish – the 2003 Gator Bowl and the 2004 Insight Bowl – and had five career interceptions.   Burrell also played professionally four years in the arena football league with the AF2 League Alabama Vipers and finished his professional career playing with the AF1 League Georgia Force in 2012.   As a senior at Southwest DeKalb, he made 90 tackles to go with seven interceptions and 13 passes broken up. He won four letters in football as a defensive back and wide receiver. Burrell was a two-time team captain and helped the team to a pair of league crowns and was an honorable mention pick on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Georgia Class 5A all-state squad. His other high school accolades include being a Class 5A First Team All-State pick as a junior, two-time all-Atlanta and four-time all-league pick. Additionally, he was selected for the Georgia-Florida prep all-star football game.   Burrell earned his bachelors in the College of Arts and Letters from the University of Notre Dame in 2005. he also earned his Master's Degree in Sports Administration from Grambling State university. A Grambling, Louisiana native, he is the great-grandson of legendary coach Eddie Robinson.

Clyde Grady enters his first season at Savannah State University as the Co-Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach.  A defensive backs specialist with championship experience and extensive postseason success, Grady has established a reputation for developing elite secondary play while mentoring multiple All-Americans, nine All-Conference defensive backs, and numerous Academic All-Conference student-athletes throughout his coaching career. His units have contributed to conference championships, nationally ranked defenses, and deep postseason runs, while consistently producing high-level talent in the defensive backfield. Prior to joining Savannah State, Grady spent four seasons at Georgetown College as the Defensive Backs Coach and Defensive Pass Game Coordinator from 2022–2025. During his tenure, Georgetown’s defense ranked among the Top 10 nationally in four consecutive seasons while helping lead the Tigers to two Mid-South Conference Championships (2023, 2024) and two NAIA postseason appearances, including a national semifinal appearance in 2023 and a quarterfinal appearance in 2024. Under his leadership, the defensive backfield produced three All-American selections and six All-Conference honorees, while multiple student-athletes also earned Academic All-Conference recognition. Before Georgetown, Grady coached at St. Andrews University from 2018–2021, beginning as a Graduate Assistant (2018–2019) before being promoted to Defensive Backs Coach (2020–2021). During his time with the Knights, he helped develop the program’s first AFCA First Team All-American while coaching three First Team All-Conference defensive backs and several Academic All-Conference selections. Grady began his coaching career at Duluth High School in 2017. A native of Auburn, Alabama, he earned a bachelor of science degree from Auburn University at Montgomery. Grady is engaged to Yemi.

Jessie Dove is in his first season as the Run Game Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach at Savannah State University, where he brings a proven track record of developing dominant rushing attacks and offensive line play. A detail-oriented and passionate football coach with over a decade of experience developing physical, run-first offenses at both the collegiate and high school levels, Dove is known for building strong relationships and developing complete student-athletes, Dove emphasizes leadership, discipline, and accountability as the foundation of a championship culture. Prior to Savannah State, Dove served as the Run Game Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach at Lincoln University of Missouri, where he helped elevate the program’s rushing attack from 8th to 4th in the conference. He developed multiple All-Conference offensive linemen, implemented gap and zone run schemes to establish a physical offensive identity, and contributed to significant academic improvement within the program, including an increase in team GPA and numerous Dean’s List honorees.  Before his time at Lincoln, Dove was part of a historic turnaround at Archbishop McCarthy High School in Southwest Ranches, Florida, helping lead the program to its first undefeated season while averaging over 280 rushing yards per game—ranking among the top teams in the state. He has consistently demonstrated an ability to develop talent, including multiple players who advanced to the Division I level.  Dove’s coaching experience also includes stops at Cypress Bay High School in Weston, Florida, Coral Gables High School in Coral Gables, Florida, Everglades High School in Miramar, Florida, and North Miami Beach High School in Miami, Florida, where he coached multiple skill groups and contributed to strength and conditioning and recruiting operations. He began his coaching career as a student assistant at North Carolina A&T State University, contributing to a championship-winning program.  In addition to his coaching roles, Dove has trained and developed over 100 athletes across the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. He also served as Offensive Coordinator for the Podyum College All-Star Game, leading his team to a victory while showcasing his ability to design and lead effective offensive systems.  A graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, Dove earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in cultural change and social development in 2016 and is an active member of the AFCA. He has also participated in the NCAA/NFL Coaching Academy, reflecting his commitment to continued professional development. 

Cameron Brown is in his first year as the defensive line coach for the Savannah State University football coaching staff. A dedicated football coach, and athlete developer from Milledgeville, Georgia, Brown's career has been defined by leadership, discipline, and a commitment to developing young people through academics and athletics. Brown attended Savannah State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Middle Grades Education in May 2023 while competing as a member of the university’s football program as a offensive lineman. During his playing career with the Tigers, he played under head coaches Shawn Quinn and Aaron Kelton. Brown distinguished himself both on the field and in the classroom, becoming a four-time SIAC All-Academic Team selection and earning recognition as an Academic All-American. His leadership qualities also led to him being named team captain, demonstrating the respect he earned from both his teammates and coaching staff. During the 2021 season, Brown was a part of a Tiger offense that averaged 28.4 points and 303.4 yards per game. The team finished the year with a 8-2 overall record and a 5-1 mark in the SIAC. Before and during his collegiate development, Brown was part of a championship football culture. In 2016, he was a member of the state championship team at John Milledge Academy while competing through Georgia Military College programs and development systems. His leadership and work ethic earned him the Team Captain Award, highlighting his impact as both a competitor and role model. After his playing career, Brown transitioned into coaching and athlete development, where he has continued to build a reputation as a passionate mentor for young athletes. Throughout his coaching career, he has helped guide teams to two state championship appearances, emphasizing discipline, effort, and academic success. In addition to coaching, Brown has trained and mentored over 15 collegiate athletes, many of whom have earned All-Region and All-State honors. His work developing athletes focuses not only on performance but also on preparing them for opportunities at the next level academically and athletically. Coach Cameron Brown is proud and excited to return to Savannah State University, his alma mater. Coming back home represents a full-circle moment for Brown as he continues his mission of helping student-athletes grow into disciplined, intelligent, and driven leaders both on and off the field.  

Russell Ellington III enters his second season on the Savannah State University football staff. After working with the wide receivers last season, Ellington will mentor the running backs this season. Prior to SSU, Ellington III was the head football coach for two seasons at Gadsden County High School in Havana, Florida. His 2024 team at Gadsden County played in the Class 2A state championship game and finished the season with a 13-2 record, leading to Ellington III being named the Florida Dairy Farmers Football Coach of the Year in Class 2A. The Ellington name is nothing new to the Savannah State campus. His grandfather spent nine years as the Tigers men's basketball coach, his father played on four of those teams (1980-84) and both of his grandmothers served  roles on campus.  Russell Ellington won 148 games in nine seasons for SSU and his teams captured SIAC titles in 1979, '80 and '81. Russell Ellington Jr was a member of the 1980-81 team that won the SIAC Division III Championship and the NCAA South Regional Championship before finishing the season as the NCAA Division III South Quarterfinal runner-up. Emma Hopson was the campus bookstore manager from 1970 until her retirement in 2003. Betty Ellington is an alum Class of 1963 and served on the alumni and many other boards.  Ellington III grew up in Chicago and earned a football scholarship to the University of Illinois following an All State prep career at Homewood-Flossmoor where he led his team to the state semi-finals as a senior. He played quarterback, wide receiver and strong safety in high school but was a linebacker for the Illini before finished up his playing career at Morehouse College in 2012.  Ellington III started his coaching career in Savannah in 2013, working at Calvary Day for two years as the Cavaliers quarterback and assistant defensive back coach. He also served as the offensive coordinator at Windsor Forest from 2017-19. He went to Florida to work at Munroe High School as the offensive coordinator for three years and was the Munroe head coach for the 2022 season which resulted in him being named the 1S Coach of the Year after taking his team to the state semifinals. Ellington's grandfather was also a star on the gridiron. Following his playing days at Morris Brown College, Ellington played for two seasons with the New York Giants before injuries cut short his career. That led to him returning to Savannah where he coached Beach High School to five state championships in 15 seasons (1962-76). He also served as the head basketball coach for the Harlem Globetrotters, Morris Brown and Savannah Tech.  

Harold Nelson enters his third season at Savannah State University.  He will serve as Tight Ends Coach this season. Nelson is a native of Savannah, Georgia and a 2001 graduate of Windsor Forest High School where he played on the Knights football team as a tight end and defensive end while earning all region honors.  Nelson is known for his passion for the game and commitment to developing student-athletes. With a coaching philosophy built on discipline, accountability, and teamwork, Nelson focuses on teaching the fundamental details of football while helping players grow as leaders on and off the field.  Proud of his Savannah roots, he is dedicated to building a competitive program and mentoring athletes to reach their full potential both in sports and in life. With over 15 years of coaching experience on multiple levels.  Nelson has coached on the high school level in Savannah at Calvary Day (2008-15),Windsor Forest (2015-18) and Islands (2019-20) high schools and in Florida at Gadsden County High School in Havana, Florida (2023). In 2008, Nelson became the first African American football coach at Calvary Day on the varsity level. Nelson has helped develop many student athletes in the Savannah community to successful scholastic, collegiate, and professional careers such as Nolan Smith (Calvary), Mike Smith (Calvary), and Eric Phoenix (Windsor Forest) just to name a few.  Nelson has completed studies in Sports Management at the University of Phoenix. Nelson is also the co-founder of Energy Sports Academy of Savannah. He is married to the Angela Watkins-Nelson. They are the proud parents of three children; Tyshawn (23), Taraya (18), and Trey (11)