University of Richmond Athletics
Latrell Scott Named Head Football Coach
12/15/2009 | Football
Dec. 15, 2009
Press Conference Audio: Opening Remarks | Media Questions
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - The University of Richmond has introduced Latrell Scott as its new head football coach. Scott, who has previously served as assistant coach with the Spiders, was introduced by Director of Athletics Jim Miller as the school's 34th football coach during a press conference Tuesday at the Robins Center.
A highly-regarded recruiter and graduate of nearby Lee-Davis High School, Scott brings 11 years of coaching experience back to the Spiders after spending the last two seasons as the wide receivers coach at the University of Tennessee and the University of Virginia, respectively.
At 34 years old, Scott becomes the youngest current head coach in Division-I football, surpassing Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin by two months.
"Coach Scott will provide great leadership for our football program," said Miller. "He is an energetic young coach and proven recruiter who many of our players know and respect. He is a Richmond native, former assistant head coach here, and a great fit for the University. Latrell Scott will continue the Richmond tradition of attracting student-athletes of high-character who are champions on and off the field."
"Growing up in Richmond, and having the experience of coaching at the University of Richmond previously, the opportunity to be the head coach is incredible," said Scott. "The students, faculty, staff, and administration of this University are second-to-none, and with their continued support, we will continue the success that we have come to expect from the Richmond Football program."
Prior to joining the Volunteers' staff in 2008, Scott served for three years at Richmond under former head coach Dave Clawson as the wide receivers coach. He was promoted to assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator before the 2007 campaign. Richmond was 26-12, made two NCAA Playoff appearances and beat a BCS team (Duke) with Scott on staff.
The Spiders shattered the offensive record books in 2007, which ended with a then-school record 11 wins and the school's first-ever appearance in the National Semifinals.
Richmond's leading pass-catcher was now-rising senior Kevin Grayson with a school-record 68 receptions for a freshman-record 970 yards and seven TDs. Then-senior Arman Shields began 2007 with a monster effort against Vanderbilt, catching 12 balls for 107 yards, before an injury limited him to just two more brief appearances. His skills and development under Scott, however, were enough to earn him a spot in the NFL Combine and a fourth-round NFL Draft selection by the Oakland Raiders.
Of the 10 team records eclipsed in that season, Scott's wide receivers helped the Spiders set new standards for scoring average (34.9), touchdowns (63) and total offense (5,675).
Scott inherits a Richmond team that went 11-2 in 2009, won the CAA Football Championship and reached the Quarterfinals of the NCAA Playoffs - the program's third-consecutive postseason appearance and 10th in school history. The 2008 National Champions return eight starters next season, including arguably the best receiving and linebacking corps in CAA Football.
Scott arrived in Richmond after spending three seasons as wide receivers coach at VMI. During his tenure in Lexington, the Keydets led the Big South Conference in passing in 2003.
His first coaching assignment was at Fork Union Military Academy, where he spent two seasons before being named an assistant at Western Carolina in 2001.
A three-year starter at tight end during his playing days at Hampton, Scott earned All-America honors following his senior season. He played on two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and NCAA playoff teams and also competed in the Gridiron All-Star Classic in Orlando, Fla. Scott graduated with a sport management degree in 2001.
Scott is married to the former Brandi Bradby of New Kent, Va.
Youngest Division-I Head Football Coaches, as of Dec. 15, 2009
| Name, School | D.O.B. | Latrell Scott Richmond (FCS) | July 15, 1975 | Lane Kiffin Tennessee (FBS) | May 9, 1975 | Pat Fitzgerald Northwestern (FBS) | Dec. 2, 1974 | Steve Sarkisian Washington (FBS) | March 8, 1974 |
The Scott File
Personal
Born: July 17, 1975 in Richmond, Va.
Family: Wife, Brandi
Education
High School: Lee-Davis High School, Mechanicsville, Va.
College: Hampton (sport management), 2001
Playing Experience
Hampton (1994-97)
Coaching Experience
1999-2000: Fork Union Military Academy
2001: Western Carolina (wide receivers)
2002-04: VMI (wide receivers)
2005-06: Richmond (wide receivers/recruiting coord.) **FCS Quarterfinals
2007: Richmond (asst. head coach/WRs/recruiting coord.) **FCS Semifinals
2008: Tennessee (wide receivers)
2009: Virginia (wide receivers)
What They're Saying About Latrell Scott
"Latrell Scott is an outstanding young coach. He brings great energy to recruiting and is dynamic on the field working with players. Latrell is trustworthy and engaged very well with families, prospects and staff. Richmond has made a great choice and I wish him very well."
--Phillip Fulmer, Tennessee Head Coach (1992-2008)
"I'm very excited for Latrell to have a great opportunity at a wonderful institution."
--Dave Clawson, BGSU Head Coach
"I'm very excited for Latrell. He is well-known in the coaching fraternity for his communication and recruiting ability. With him being at Richmond previously, he understands the academic requirements it takes to be successful. He's a good football coach and I'm confident he'll continue the championship tradition at my alma mater."
--Mike London, Virginia Head Coach
"This is a great hire by the University of Richmond. Latrell will do a great job. He knows the school, he knows Virginia and
he knows the league. I'm confident he'll pick up right where Mike London left off."
-- Joe Taylor, Florida A&M Head Coach and Scott's former coach at Hampton
