Coach Kermit Blount
Winston-Salem State University announced on Nov. 19 that Kermit Blount, head football coach since 1993, would step down from his position following WSSU’s game at Norfolk State University Nov. 21. Blount will remain at WSSU and will be reassigned other duties within the university.
“Over the years, Coach Blount has done a great job of leading our football program and building an academic foundation for our student athletes,” said Chancellor Donald J. Reaves. “We truly appreciate the contributions Kermit has made to Winston-Salem State as an athlete, a coach, an alum and a leader.”
“Having known Kermit for so many years, I have tremendous respect for him,” said Bill Hayes, who becomes the new WSSU athletic director in January. “However, I support a change in leadership for the football program in order to improve our recruiting efforts, to create more excitement and enthusiasm for the program among the students, and to build support among the alumni and within the community.”
Blount, a 1980 graduate and former quarterback for the WSSU Rams, is completing his 17th season as coach and has posted a 91-87-3 record. He led his teams to two CIAA titles and two Pioneer Bowl appearances.
A native of Richmond, Va., Blount began his college coaching career as an assistant at East Carolina University in 1983. He was offensive coordinator for Howard University from 1984 until 1989 and served on the coaching staff at South Carolina State University for the next four years.
