HAMPTON, Va. – Hampton University head football coach Donovan Rose has announced the hiring of Earnest J. Wilson III as the Pirates' new offensive coordinator for the coming season, highlighting a series of changes to the coaching staff.

“I am very excited about the addition of Coach Wilson to our staff,” Rose said. “We are going to continue to work hard to improve in every facet of our program.”

Wilson spent the last two seasons at Jackson State University, where his team led the SWAC in scoring offense, total offense, pass offense, pass efficiency, first downs and fourth down conversions. Jackson State quarterbacks passed for a conference-high 3,454 yards and 31 touchdowns, while Jackson State running backs rushed for 1085 yards and 16 scores.

Wilson came to Jackson State after serving as the running backs coach at New Mexico State. While at New Mexico State, Wilson's running back corps tallied 1,278 yards on the ground. His coaching background also includes stops at Benedict College in South Carolina, arena football and a brief internship with the Indianapolis Colts.

Wilson's hire is the highlight of several changes to the Pirates coaching staff; Delbert Cowsette returns to the program as the defensive line coach, while Darryl Bullock, who was the defensive line coach last season, will take over the offensive line coaching duties.

Greg Taylor will become the running backs coach after the departure of Stephen Field; he spent last season as an assistant wide receivers coach.

The Pirates went 7-4 overall last season and 5-3 in the MEAC.

For more information on Hampton University football, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.