Donovan Rose
Head Coach
Phone: 757-727-5322
Email:
donovan.rose@hamptonu.edu
Donovan Rose is entering his 19th season with the Hampton University football program and first as head coach. Coach Rose brings a wealth of knowledge, impeccable character, and the respect from the players, assistant coaches, school administrators and the community.
“With the tradition, family atmosphere and the roots that I have here at Hampton University, I definitely consider this a great opportunity for me to be named head coach at my alma mater. Hampton has always been known for its academics and athletic achievements. With hard work, determination, and commitment, I am very optimistic that we will restore the luster to make Hampton a force to be reckoned with again.”
--Donovan Rose, Head Football Coach
As a secondary coach, defensive coordinator and assistant head coach, Rose’s philosophy and coaching style has attracted attention from both the American Football Coaches Association and the NFL. He recently was selected to participate in the 2007 NCAA Expert Football Coaching Academy in Miami. Rose also earned internships with the Miami Dolphins in 1996, San Diego Chargers in 2000 and 2001 and the New York Giants in 2002. In addition, Rose received the 2006 L.D. Britt, M.D. Community Service Award for his involvement and untiring service with youth and student athletes; the 2003 AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year in Division I-AA and the All-American Football Foundation Mike Campbell Top Assistant Coach Award.
A 1979 graduate of Hampton University, Rose was an All CIAA performer who was named the conference defensive player of the year during his senior year. Donovan also earned All-American honors and was named a starter and captain on the 1978 All Star Team which was played in New Orleans Super Dome. He later signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent in 1980, and also played for several championship teams in the Canadian Football League, winning the Grey Cup with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1984. In 1986, he joined the Miami Dolphins and led the team in interceptions. Rose retired from Miami in 1988.
Since Rose’s return to Hampton in 1991, the Pirates have won 14 championships, graduated over 200 student-athletes and placed over 45 players in professional leagues. Rose has developed and placed several players in the pros and recruited several players who were either drafted or became free agents in the NFL. His most notable recruits have been Cordell Taylor, second-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1998, and Kendall Langford, third-round pick and starting defensive end for the Miami Dolphins in 2008.
Rose is married to the former Miss Hampton University (1981) Sylvia Woody, Esq., a native of Tampa, Fla., and they are the parents of two children: Deja (21), a senior at Georgetown University, and Donovan Jr. (13), eighth -grader at Grafton Middle School.
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