Willie J. Slater facts for kids
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | Coffeeville, Alabama, U.S. |
| Playing career | |
| 1974–1977 | Livingston |
| Position(s) | Quarterback |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1978 | Livingston (GA) |
| 1979–1980 | Jess Lanier HS (AL) |
| 1981–1982 | T. R. Miller HS (AL) |
| 1983–1990 | Troy State (OC/RB/QB) |
| 1991 | Livingston (OC) |
| 1992–1999 | North Alabama (OC) |
| 2000–2003 | Jacksonville State (OC) |
| 2004–2005 | Temple (OC/WR) |
| 2006–2021 | Tuskegee |
| 2022–2023 | Clark Atlanta |
| Administrative career (AD unless noted) | |
| 2017–2021 | Tuskegee |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 126–59 (college) |
| Bowls | 3–1 |
| Tournaments | 3–4 (NCAA D-II playoffs) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| 5 Black college national (2007–2009, 2015–2016) 7 SIAC (2006–2009, 2012, 2014, 2017) 5 SIAC West Division (2012–2014, 2016–2017) |
|
| Awards | |
| 5× NCAA Div II Assistant Coach of the Year | |
Willie James Slater is a well-known American football coach and sports leader. He was most recently the head football coach for Clark Atlanta University from 2022 to 2023. Before that, Coach Slater led the football team at Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama, for many years, from 2006 to 2021.
During his time at Tuskegee, his teams won the Pioneer Bowl three times: in 2006, 2007, and 2009. In 2007, his team had a perfect season, meaning they didn't lose any games! They were named the black small college football national champions. Coach Slater's teams won this championship or shared the title many times. He also became the athletic director at Tuskegee in 2017, overseeing all sports programs. In December 2021, Reginald Ruffin took over as head football coach and athletic director at Tuskegee.
Contents
Willie Slater's Coaching Journey
Willie Slater has had a long and successful career in football, both as a player and a coach. He started playing football in college and then moved into coaching, helping many teams improve.
Early Coaching Days
Coach Slater began his coaching career right after playing college football. He started as a graduate assistant at Livingston in 1978. After that, he coached at high schools in Alabama, including Jess Lanier HS and T. R. Miller HS.
College Coaching Roles
Slater then moved to college football, where he held several important roles.
- From 1983 to 1990, he was an Offensive Coordinator and coached running backs and quarterbacks at Troy State.
- He returned to Livingston as an Offensive Coordinator in 1991.
- From 1992 to 1999, he was the Offensive Coordinator for North Alabama.
- He continued as an Offensive Coordinator at Jacksonville State from 2000 to 2003.
- Before becoming a head coach, he was an Offensive Coordinator and coached wide receivers at Temple from 2004 to 2005.
Leading the Tuskegee Golden Tigers
Coach Slater became the head coach at Tuskegee University in 2006. This was a very successful period for him.
- His teams won the SIAC championship seven times (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2014, 2017).
- They also won the SIAC West Division five times (2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017).
- His 2007 team went undefeated with a 12–0 record.
- Overall, he led Tuskegee to an impressive 123 wins and only 47 losses.
Coaching the Clark Atlanta Panthers
After his long tenure at Tuskegee, Coach Slater took on a new challenge. He became the head coach for the Clark Atlanta Panthers in 2022. He coached the team for two seasons, through 2023.
Career Highlights and Awards
Willie Slater is known for his strong leadership and ability to build winning teams.
- He won 5 Black college national championships.
- He was recognized five times as the NCAA Division II Assistant Coach of the Year.
- His overall college coaching record is 126 wins and 59 losses.
External links
- Clark Atlanta profile
- Tuskegee profile
