Raymond Woodie, Jr. addresses the media on his game plan for Bethune-Cookman's football
Photos By: Duane C. Fernandez Sr. /Hardnotts Photography LLC.
ANDREAS BUTLER DEEP FOCUS NEWS Raymond Woodie, Jr. was introduced as Bethune-Cookman University’s head football coach during a press conference in the Larry R. Handfield Athletic Training Center on campus on Wednesday.
Woodie is a former All-American linebacker at Bethune-Cookman.
He was previously on Willie Taggert’s staff at Florida Atlantic University as assistant head coach and linebackers coach (2020-22) where he also handled special teams and recruiting.
“This is a great honor. I will have a strong focus on creating a winning culture; academic, personal and professional development of our players and recruiting the best and brightest student athletes in the State of Florida and around the country,” said Woodie.
Woodie will now assemble a coaching staff, meet with players and implement things to make the Wildcats winners on and off the field.
"The goal is that our work will turn into wins and ultimately enhance our football team and the university’s success. We can’t define our success just by wins on the field. That is a priority, but we must define success with graduation rates, development of our student athletes, mental health resources and NIL education for our players.”
Woodie replaces Ed Reed, who the school ended contract negotiations with after three and half weeks due to social media posts of Reed criticizing school leadership and working conditions.
Reed’s ouster led to student protests and national spotlight.
Both replace Terry Sims who was fired after back-to-back 2-9 seasons.
As a player at Bethune-Cookman, Woodie received two All MEAC First team selections and two-time FCS (formerly I-AA) All-American honors.
He was the first Bethune-Cookman student athlete named GTE Academic All-American and had $25,000 donated to the school in his name.
Woodie earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Bethune-Cookman in 1996. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Education from National Luis University.
Woodie was also on Taggert’s staffs at Florida State (2018-19), Oregon (2017), South Florida (2013-16) and Western Kentucky (2010-2012).
At Oregon in 2017 he was named top recruiter in the PAC-12 and 13th in the nation by 247 Sports. In 2014, Rivals named Woodie Top Recruiter. He also had the top recruiting classes in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in 2014 and 2015 and Sun Belt Conference in 2010 and 2011.
Woodie also coached at Palmetto High school in his hometown of Palmetto, Florida where he was a standout player and Bayshore High in Bradenton, Florida.
He is married to Stephanie; they have three children, Alanah, Kaden and Raymond III who plays college football at California.
Comments