New Football Coach, Chennis Berry is ready to dig deep as he assembles his coaching staff at South Carolina State. The Bulldogs coach has officially announced the majority members of his new team.
“Go Dogs! I’m super excited about the men that we have joining our coaching staff! This is an experienced staff with proven track records,” said Berry. “They’ve won at every level of football and coached NFL players, All Conference players as well as All-Americans while winning championships throughout their entire coaching careers.”
Berry, announced as new head coach early last month, has been quietly assembling his new staff since mid-December. Coach Berry is succeeding longtime coach Buddy Pough, who announced his departure ahead of the ’23 season.
Notable additions include Johnathan Williams, as Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach, and Jordan Odaffer as the Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach.
Williams and Odaffer were previously on Berry’s staff at Benedict College. They both led a high-powered offense and defense in several Division II categories.
South Carolina State has also welcomed alumni, Dr. Nathan Cochran to lead the Department of Athletics. Cochran’s career spans 20 years as a collegiate administrator and football and track coach, with nearly half of his experience with HBCUs.
“I am extremely pleased to be selected to serve my alma mater,” Cochran said. “I look forward to the long-awaited return home.”
Other newcomers to the Bulldogs staff include Kevin King (Special Teams Coordinator/Safeties Coach), Gary Howard (defensive line), Connor Loper (Tight Ends), and Michael Styles Jr. (Cornerbacks).
Berry will retain veteran coach David Blanchard who has nearly 30 years on the SCSU coaching staff, who will coach defensive tackles and also serve as Director of Alumni Relations/Director of Player Development.
Nashan Goddard was also retained as offensive line coach. The veteran coach will have several All-MEAC performers for the Bulldogs on the front line. Chris Parrott will remain on the staff in an off-the-field role as Director of Recruiting/Academic Coordinator.
Coach Berry will complete staff assembly with the hiring of running back and wide receiver coaches, director of football operations, chief of staff, and director of creative content.
To stay updated on the Bulldogs schedule and roster, please visit SCSU Athletics website.
