Saint Augustine’s University Names New Head Football Coach
Raleigh, NC – The Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) athletic department announced Monday (11/25) that David Bowser has been officially named as the new head football coach.
Bowser is a veteran coach with impressive credentials from many years of experience in the profession. He just completed a highly successful 20-year stint at Fayetteville State University, where he was the longest-tenured assistant among all coaches at the CIAA school, regardless of the sport. During his time at Fayetteville State (FSU), Bowser helped the Broncos emerge as one of the top football teams in the CIAA.
Bowser was an assistant coach on Bronco football teams that won CIAA titles in 2002, 2003 and 2009. In 2019, the Broncos captured their third consecutive Southern Division crown and made their third straight appearance in the CIAA Championship Game.
“Coach Bowser has prepared himself for this moment,” said George Williams, SAU’s athletic director. “We think he is the right person to lead the Falcons’ football program.”
During the 2019 season, Bowser was the assistant head coach as well as linebackers coach at Fayetteville State. He coached linebacker Nigel Peele, who earned All-CIAA defensive superlatives for the second consecutive year. Peete was part of the Broncos’ defense that ranked fourth in the conference in points allowed and second in pass defense.
In addition to his role as assistant head coach and linebackers coach, Bowser also served as running backs coach, defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator during his tenure at Fayetteville State. He also assisted FSU student-athletes with housing, admissions, and academics. Bowser was Defensive Coordinator during the 2015 season at FSU.
“After twenty wonderful years at Fayetteville State University, I consider it a blessing and honor to serve Saint Augustine’s University as its next head football coach,” Bowser said. “I am grateful to [Interim President] Dr. Gaddis J. Faulcon, [Chief Operating Officer] Dr. Maria Lumpkin, and Coach Williams for entrusting me with their vision for the future growth of Falcon Football.”
ABOUT COACH BOWSER
As defensive backs coach at Fayetteville State, Bowser produced several standouts in the Broncos’ secondary.
– In 2014, Bowser coached standout defensive back Michael Johnson, who ranked seventh overall in the CIAA with 7.9 tackles per game. Johnson led FSU in tackles, interceptions and fumble recoveries that season.
– During the 2011 season, Bowser coached a Broncos’ secondary that ranked ninth in the nation in passes defended. Joshua Scales led the nation in interceptions per game with a total of seven.
– Bowser coached preseason Broncos’ All-American Andre Lyles, who tied for first in the CIAA in interceptions and was voted All-CIAA as a junior. He tied for eighth nationally in interceptions per game and ranked fifth in passes defended.
– In 2009, the Broncos secondary ranked third in the CIAA in pass defense and allowed a school record nine yards passing against Virginia State. The Broncos were fourth nationally in Division II in pass defense efficiency during their CIAA Championship run. That season, Jeff Gowdy tied the Broncos’ all-time interception record with 16.
– During the 2008 season, Bowser’s unit finished second in the nation in pass defense efficiency and ninth in interceptions. Three Bronco defensive backs – Jeff Gowdy, Robert Allen, and Adrian Horton – ranked in the top 20 nationally in passes defended that season. John Hicks ranked 45th in the nation in passes defended and Gowdy led the league in picks.
Before moving to the defensive side of the ball, Bowser coached several All-CIAA stalwarts as running backs coach including DeAngelo Bridgers, Amir Holding, and Nate Benton.
Prior to his tenure at Fayetteville State, Bowser made a name for himself on the prep level in North Carolina. He established himself as a well-respected coach at Garner High School, Anson High School, Westover High School, Chapel Hill High School, and Orange High School.
A 1992 graduate of North Carolina State University, Bowser started his college coaching career at Hampden-Sydney College during 1999 season. He is a native of Charlotte, NC.