Earlier this month, Hertford County High School announced the hiring of Willie H. Gillus III as its next head football coach. He is taking over for previous head coach Terrance Saxby and interim head coach Ronald Gatling.
It is a return to Hertford for Gillus III, who was on the Bears’ staff in 2017 and 2018 under Saxby. Then, he coached wide receivers and special teams.
Gillis III was hired as the head coach at John Marshall High School in Virginia. He spent three seasons leading that program before serving as the head coach at Justice High School (VA) during the 2023 season.
The coach’s father, Willie Gillus Jr., played cornerback in the NFL and CFL and became a football coach after his playing days. Gillis Jr. served as the head coach at Norfolk State University, his alma mater, for two years and has also coached at Elizabeth City State University, which is about an hour east of Hertford.
Gillis III attended Morgan State University, where he played tight end and long snapper. He helped Morgan State win the MEAC championship in 2014. Gillus was recognized as MEAC All-Conference and Morgan State’s Special Team Player of the Year.
Hertford County is coming off of a 10-3 overall season last fall. The Bears reached the third round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association’s 2A East playoffs, where they fell in a 71-68 ballgame at Nash Central.
Here is the full press release sent out by the Hertford County Public Schools district:
Hertford County, 4/12/2024 – Hertford County Board of Education, proudly announces the appointment of Willie H. Gillus III as the new head coach for the Hertford County High School football team. With an illustrious background in both high school and college football, Gillus brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the sport to his new role.
Gillus, a standout Tight End and Long Snapper during his tenure at Morgan State University, has a decorated history in football. His dedication and talent were instrumental in the success of the Morgan State Bears, where he played a pivotal role in securing the MEAC championship in 2014 and participating in the Football Championship Subdivision Playoffs the same year. Gillus has been recognized as an MEAC All-Conference Tight End and Morgan State Special Team Player of the Year, demonstrating his exceptional skills on the field.
Transitioning from player to coach, Gillus has continued to make significant contributions to the football community. His previous roles include Offensive Assistant at Hertford County High School, Head Football Coach, PE Teacher, and Dean of Students at John Marshall High School. Most recently, he served as Head Football Coach and PE Teacher at Justice High School, where he coached nine 6A all-conference players and was honored as Teacher of the Month.
Gillus’s roots in football run deep, with his father, Willie Gillus Jr., a former NFL and CFL quarterback, and his family’s ties to the Hertford County community. With a passion for the game and a commitment to making a meaningful impact, Gillus is eager to return to his hometown and lead the Hertford County High School football team to success.
Dr. Pratt expresses his enthusiasm for Gillus’s appointment, stating, “I am excited about the new coach and the football season ahead. Mr. Gillus experience, dedication, and passion for the sport makes him an ideal leader for our team”.
