MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — When the University of Rio Grande takes the football field in 2025, Weir High School and WVU alumnus Quincy Wilson will be on the sidelines and leading the program. The former NFL running back has been named as the head coach at Rio. The program has been dormant since 1949, but the Red Storm will reboot the program with competition to begin next fall.
Rio Grande is an NAIA program located in Rio Grande, Ohio.
Rio Grande tabs Wilson as head football coach – University of Rio Grande (https://t.co/y2OWRYSZ7o) pic.twitter.com/6E0GmNNbJz
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“I think it’s been proven that it can happen. If we were trying to play this year, that would be too much of a battle. But we’re at an advantage, I think, in that we’ve got a chance to be selective about who we want to bring in. We can dive into it and develop,” Wilson said. “I have no doubt that we can get 20 or 30 kids on campus this Fall, then add some in January and have a normal signing class in February. I’m looking to be at normal operation by January and really think we’ll be able to compete from day one. That’s the plan. We have the opportunity to attract good players and good coaches and, if that happens, we’ll let the chips fall where they may.”
“We’re excited to welcome Coach Wilson to our Rio family and look forward to the success of the football program under his guidance,” Rio Grande athletic director Jeff Lanham said. “We believe his leadership will foster a culture of hard work and team work. His vision for the program’s future aligns perfectly with our goals and aspirations. The energy and enthusiasm he brings to the role are truly inspiring and we can’t wait to see the impact he’ll make on the Rio Football program.”
Wilson won the Kennedy Award as the top high school football player in West Virginia in 1998. He shared the honor with Nitro quarterback J.R. House. Wilson led the Weir Red Riders to a 14-0 season and the Class AA state championship.
Wilson played 44 games at West Virginia, rushing for 2,608 yards and 20 touchdowns. He later played parts of five seasons in the NFL.
Wilson began his college coaching career as the Assistant Director of Football Operations at WVU in 2012. Wilson later coached at Glenville State, West Virginia State and Fairmont State.