Joe Gilliam Sr. facts for kids
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1923 Steubenville, Ohio |
| Died | November 14, 2012 (aged 89) Nashville, Tennessee |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1952–1954 | Oliver HS (KY) |
| 1955–1956 | Jackson State (assistant) |
| 1957–1958 | Kentucky State |
| 1963–1983 | Tennessee State (DC) |
| 1989–1992 | Tennessee State |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 23–36–2 (college) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Awards | |
| WVSU Sports Hall of Fame (1987) OVC Coach of the Year (1990) |
|
Joseph W. Gilliam Sr. (born around 1923 – died November 14, 2012) was a famous American football player and coach. He made a big impact on college football, especially at Tennessee State University.
Contents
The Life of Coach Joe Gilliam Sr.
Early Life and College Football
Joe Gilliam Sr. was born in Steubenville, Ohio. He started his college football journey at Indiana University. Later, he moved to West Virginia State University. There, he became an All-American player at the quarterback position. Being an All-American means he was one of the best players in the country.
Coaching High School and College Teams
After his playing days, Gilliam became a coach. From 1952 to 1954, he coached both football and basketball at Oliver High School. This school was located in Winchester, Kentucky. In 1954, his football team won a state championship.
In 1955, Coach Gilliam joined Coach John Merritt's team at Jackson State University. He worked as an assistant coach there. In 1957, he became the head coach at Kentucky State University. After a short time, he returned to high school coaching. Then, he rejoined Coach Merritt's staff at Jackson State.
A Legend at Tennessee State
Coach Gilliam followed Coach Merritt to Tennessee State University. At Tennessee State, he became the defensive coordinator. This means he was in charge of the team's defense. For 20 years, he helped the Tigers achieve amazing success. They had four seasons where they didn't lose any games. They also won seven black college football national championships.
Later, from 1989 to 1992, Gilliam served as the head coach at Tennessee State. In 1990, he was named the Ohio Valley Conference Coach Of The Year. This award recognized his excellent coaching skills.
Family and Legacy
Joe Gilliam Sr. came from a talented family. His son, Joe Gilliam, was a quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His granddaughter, Joi, is a well-known R&B singer.
In 2007, Coach Gilliam was honored for his contributions to sports. He was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall Of Fame. At the time of his death in 2012, he was living in Nashville, Tennessee. His legacy as a player and coach continues to inspire many.
