Jan. 10, 2004, 10:12PM
TSU hires ex-Howard football coach Wilson
By RICHARD DEAN
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle
Texas Southern athletic director Alois Blackwell chose a coach he knows well to lead the Tigers' football program. Now he's hoping his former Dallas Cowboys teammate, Steve Wilson, can enjoy the same success he came to know while leading Howard University to two Black College National Championships in the 1990s.
Wilson was a member of the Cowboys with Blackwell in 1979, Roger Staubach's final season. He went on to direct Howard for 13 years and led the Bison to national prominence on the NCAA Division I-AA level.
"We want to be a championship football team at Texas Southern, and Steve Wilson certainly has championship credentials," Blackwell said. "We're excited about those things."
Blackwell is not the only familiar face Wilson will see this season. He'll coach against his previous boss when TSU faces Prairie View A&M and new coach Henry Frazier III.
Wilson spent last season as the defensive coordinator at Division II Bowie (Md.) State University, where Frazier was head coach.
Wilson thought the opportunity to coach in Houston was too great to pass up.
"The city of Houston is a tremendous sports town, look at the venues and support," Wilson said. "You want to be part of something like that.
"I'm excited to have an opportunity to put together a program in the state of Texas."
Wilson takes over from Bill Thomas, who resigned last month after 10 years at TSU.
Wilson and Blackwell agreed on a multiyear contract, but no deal has been signed. Saturday, Wilson and Blackwell said a deal should be finalized shortly.
Wilson, 46, turned Howard into one of the most explosive offensive teams in college football.
Wilson said he has not had time to evaluate TSU's personnel, but has an idea of what type of offense to run.
"We'll be multiple," Wilson said. "We'll know how to run the football, and certainly know how to throw it. We've always thrown the football well."
Wilson's 11-0 regular-season team in 1993 featured quarterback Jay Walker, the NCAA Division I-AA Player of the Year.
TSU, coming off a 5-6 season, employed a spread offense the last two seasons under offensive coordinator Mark Orlando.
Wilson is the son of former NFL player Tommy Wilson, who played for the Los Angeles Rams, Browns and Vikings.
In 1978, his final season at Howard University, Steve Wilson set single-season school records for receptions (94), receiving yards (1,339) and touchdown receptions (12).
As a free agent, Wilson signed with Dallas and played three seasons at cornerback. He ended his NFL career with seven seasons in Denver.
"He brings an NFL style of football, terminology and play, that we like," Blackwell said. "And I think the kids coming out of high school will certainly like.
"He came from a football background and work ethic far better than a lot of folks. I can't wait for him to get started."
Wilson also was eager to begin his TSU career. He's familiar with the Southwestern Athletic Conference, having played TSU and other SWAC schools.
"It's a very intriguing job," Wilson said. "We've played SWAC teams and I feel the talent base of this area is tremendous."
Wilson said the outstanding high school talent in the Houston area sold him on TSU.
"Any time you go in as a college coach and have such a fertile recruiting area, that's the key," Wilson said. "The key in this business is aquisition of talent.
"I think we'll get the kind of talent to have a chance to be successful against the teams we'll play."
"Once he gets started and once the city of Houston and TSU family see how he shapes the young men we have, we'll have some great years," Blackwell said.
