Rashad Watson is in his second season at Miles, where he serves as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the Golden Bears. Watson assists with all aspects of the head coaching duties, including budgeting, recruiting and team management.
In his first season with the Golden Bears, Watson's impact was immediate. He turned a Miles defensive unit that was at the bottom of the SIAC in 2018 to one of the best in the NCAA Division II ranks. During the 2019 campaign, Miles was nationally ranked in passing yards allowed (25th), rushing defense (23rd), tackles for loss (22nd), defensive 3rd down conversions (15th), defensive touchdowns (t-13th), total defense (12th), and sacks (t-6th). Three defensive players were named to the All-SIAC team in 2019 and Miles won the league title on the strength of allowing just 12 points total over the final three must-win regular season games.
Prior to coming to Miles, Watson spent two seasons as head football coach at Franklin Pierce, where he led the program’s transition into NCAA Division II membership. It was his first head coaching post, which was preceded by a five-year stint at Missouri Southern State. While with the Lions, Watson spent time as the recruiting coordinator (2012-13), the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach (2013-14), and as the special teams coordinator and secondary coach (2012 and again from 2015-17). Watson coached nine all-conference selections and also contributed to the campus community away from the field, as he served on MSSU's Athletics Gender Equity and Minority Committee.
Watson is no stranger to the SIAC. In 2007-08, Watson served as the defensive secondary coach and recruiting coordinator at Morehouse and from 2010-11, he worked as the defensive secondary coach and assisted with special teams at Benedict. Other coaching experience includes time at Nicholls State as well as work in the Alabama high school ranks.
Watson also brings professional football experience with him to Miles. In the summer of 2014, he served as the Bill Walsh Diversity Fellowship Coach with the National Football League's Kansas City Chiefs. In the role, he worked with the Chiefs' linebackers, secondary and special teams units during the team's summer training camp. In addition, in 2015, Watson spent time working with the NCAA and NFL Coaches Academy.
Watson played four years collegiately at Alabama A&M (1997-2001). Originally from Bessemer, Ala., Watson is a two-time graduate of Alabama A&M, with a bachelor's degree in business management and a master's degree in business marketing.
