https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zG1obCZmF8k
Athletic Director Heather Logue announced July 15 that
Willie Tillman has been named head football coach at Trinity International University.
"We anticipate a great fall 2021 season of athletic competition and camaraderie," Logue said. "I'm excited to have Coach Tillman as our head football coach. He is a man who seeks the Lord, an experienced leader who knows how to build into the lives of young men, and has a tremendous knowledge of the game. We are blessed to be able to call him our head coach."
Logue also said that coaches will be reaching out to the players and recruits to answer any questions about the transition. "We not only have their athletic development but also their spiritual and academic growth as our utmost concern, which Tillman will ensure takes place," she said.
Tillman brings 20 years of college coaching experience. An accomplished recruiter who has coordinated recruiting efforts for four different staffs, Tillman found success at the Division I level with additional experience ranging from assisting the 2003 AFC North Champion Baltimore Ravens to helping direct a successful startup program at Florida Tech.
"I want to see the community witness the Trojan football team giving God all the glory."
Tillman kicked off his coaching career at his alma-mater, Purdue University, as an assistant in 1997, where he was four-year letter winner and two year starter as a wide receiver. Since then, he has coached at multiple colleges and universities, including most recently a two-year stint at Lakewood High School (Fla.) as associate head coach, offensive coordinator, and quarterbacks coach. Under his leadership, Lakewood went 12-1 into the 4A state semi finals, where the team averaged 34 points per game that season.
“I’m excited to help these young men get an education and grow in their faith while they’re playing football," Tillman said. "Coaching in a Christian school earlier in my career brought me closer to Christ, and ever since then I've wanted to continue to coach in such a way that others are also challenged to grow in their faith, regardless if I was at a faith-based institution." Tillman values patience and fortitude on the field, "because things aren't going to happen overnight, and just as our faith is tested, so too will the team be tested," he said.
"I also love to glorify God and praise him," Tillman said. "People love to see each other celebrating. And I want to see the community witness the Trojan football team giving God all the glory."
