Tory Woodbury Unveils Inaugural Coaching Staff at Winston-Salem State

Tory Woodbury is officially in place as the head football coach at Winston-Salem State and wasted no time revealing his inaugural coaching staff. The hires reflect his goal of revitalizing the Rams’ program while emphasizing player development and a culture of winning.

“These hires represent our commitment to excellence, player development, and building a winning culture,” Woodbury said in a statement obtained by the Greensboro News & Record. “Each coach brings valuable experience and passion that will positively impact our student-athletes and our program.”

Woodbury’s staff includes a mix of alumni, experienced assistants, and professionals with connections to the program’s history. By combining past Rams players with coaches who have experience at the collegiate and professional levels, Woodbury hopes to establish continuity while injecting new energy into the program.

The emphasis on relationships and program knowledge is part of Woodbury’s broader strategy to restore Winston-Salem State to prominence. With a storied history in CIAA football, the Rams aim to rebound from several challenging seasons and reclaim a competitive standing within the conference.

1. Key Hires and Alumni Connections

Several of Woodbury’s assistant coaches are former Winston-Salem State players, creating a sense of continuity and familiarity within the program. Calvin Randall, a 2002 graduate, will serve as offensive coordinator. Randall played a role on the 2000 CIAA championship team and previously served as a student assistant coach at the school. Errick Hargrove, who will serve as defensive coordinator, also brings a strong Rams connection. A former teammate of Woodbury during the 1999–2000 CIAA championship seasons, Hargrove has experience as a defensive coordinator at both Fayetteville State and Virginia State University. Their shared history is expected to strengthen the leadership core of the program. Monte Purvis, another former Ram quarterback, joins as wide receivers coach. Purvis started three seasons at Winston-Salem State and brings extensive high school coaching experience from Reagan High School, offering both player development skills and recruiting insight. Other notable additions include Chris Hirston, an NFL alumnus who will coach the offensive line, Ken Hill as linebackers coach, and Antonio Wallace overseeing the defensive line. Collectively, these hires bring a mix of professional experience, alumni ties, and coaching expertise to the Rams.

2. Aiming for Program Revival

Woodbury and his staff are tasked with revitalizing a program that has a proud football history but has struggled in recent seasons. The emphasis on experience and internal program knowledge is designed to accelerate the Rams’ return to competitiveness. By blending alumni connections with outside coaching talent, Woodbury hopes to establish a culture that resonates with both players and recruits. The presence of former Rams who understand the program’s legacy provides a bridge between the past and future ambitions of the team. The coaching staff’s diverse background also allows for a comprehensive approach to player development, from strength and conditioning to tactical game preparation. With former professional experience and successful collegiate backgrounds, the staff aims to foster growth across all levels of the team. Ultimately, Woodbury’s vision centers on creating a winning culture that leverages program history, strategic coaching hires, and player development. The staff’s performance and ability to build a cohesive team will determine how quickly Winston-Salem State can reclaim prominence in the CIAA.

3. Looking Ahead to the Future

With the staff now in place, attention will turn to recruiting, player development, and early-season preparations. Woodbury’s hires signal a clear commitment to rebuilding the Rams into a competitive and disciplined program. The combination of alumni ties and professional coaching experience positions Winston-Salem State to attract talent both locally and nationally. Maintaining strong relationships with former players may also help in mentoring current student-athletes and strengthening the program’s culture. Spring practices and fall camp will be critical testing grounds for the new staff as they implement schemes, establish expectations, and evaluate personnel. How quickly the team adapts to the coaching philosophy will influence their performance in the upcoming season. If executed effectively, Woodbury and his staff could guide Winston-Salem State back to the competitive levels that made the program a CIAA powerhouse in previous decades. Their leadership will set the tone for both immediate performance and long-term success.