Faison To Be Named Head Man At Virginia State

Winston-Salem, NC - Winston-Salem State University defensive coordinator Andrew Faison has resigned from his position to take the head-coaching job at Virginia State University left vacant by the retired Lou Anderson. This will be the first head coaching position for Faison after 14 years in college football. A press conference is scheduled for Friday, February 1 at 2:00 p.m. in Petersburg, Virginia to make the announcement official.

Andrew Faison

"Getting the opportunity to pursue my first head coaching position at my alma mater is a blessing in disguise," said the 42-year-old Faison. "I have mixed feelings about leaving Winston-Salem State. During my time here I have established relationships with Coach Blount the staff and the players and that's the most difficult thing about leaving."

A native of Norfolk, Virginia and a 1980 graduate of Virginia State, Faison was the defensive coordinator for the Trojans from 1987 to 1995 before joining the Ram football staff under Coach Kermit Blount. In addition to his coaching duties at WSSU, Faison was also the recruiting coordinator and compliance liaison for the Rams. Utilizing a 3-4 scheme on defense, Faison quickly turned the Rams into one the strongest defensive teams in the not only the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), but also in the entire country. At the conclusion of the 2001 season the Rams were ranked nationally in scoring defense (4th), pass efficiency defense (8th) and total defense.

"We're definitely losing a vital part of what we do here at Winston-Salem State," said Blount on the loss of Faison. "It will be very difficult to replace what he brings to the program. Right now I'm having mixed emotions in that this is something he's been working towards his entire career and I'm happy for him but of course he will be truly missed. Coach Faison has been a huge part of my success here as a football coach."