The Lighthouse Christian College football program has just received a massive jolt of experience and pedigree! We are thrilled to announce that Dave Wilson has been named the new Head Coach, bringing with him a remarkable 25-year coaching career that spans all levels of the game, from the high school gridiron to the pinnacle of Division I college football and even the professional ranks.
This isn’t just another coaching hire; it’s the arrival of a proven winner and a seasoned leader who has tasted championship success at multiple stops throughout his illustrious career. Coach Wilson’s resume speaks for itself, boasting an impressive collection of accolades including:
- One NCAA National Championship
- One Southeastern Conference Division Championship
- One Atlantic Coast Conference Championship
- One Florida State High School Championship
Most recently, Coach Wilson has been serving as the Director of Player Personnel for the AFL’s Tampa Bay Storm, currently entering his second year with the organization. This experience in player evaluation and talent acquisition will undoubtedly be invaluable as he builds the foundation for a successful program at Lighthouse Christian College.
Prior to his time in the professional arena, Wilson made a significant impact at the collegiate level. He served as the Special Teams Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, where he contributed to four consecutive Bowl Game appearances. His keen eye for talent was evident in his recruitment of legendary players such as Calvin Johnson and Deshard Choice, who played pivotal roles in the Yellow Jackets’ success.
Wilson’s journey through the Southeastern Conference is equally impressive. He spent five seasons with Coach Jackie Sherrill at Mississippi State, serving as the Director of Football Operations for three years and then as the Recruiting Coordinator and Tight Ends coach for two. During his tenure in Starkville, the Bulldogs captured the S.E.C. Western Division Championship in 1998 and participated in the prestigious Cotton, Peach, and Independence Bowls.
Adding to his impressive collegiate resume are two one-year stints at Florida State University under the legendary Coach Bobby Bowden in 1992 and 1996. Both seasons saw the Seminoles finish ranked 2nd in the nation, participating in the 1993 Orange Bowl and the 1997 Sugar Bowl. This exposure to one of the nation’s elite programs will undoubtedly shape his approach with the Lighthouse Christian College Makos.
Coach Wilson also brings experience from other collegiate stops, including a stint as the Assistant Head Coach at Nicholls State and a successful run at Troy State from 1983 to 1985, where he was part of the 1984 Division II National Championship team. His connection to Troy State runs even deeper, as he played for the Trojans during the mid-1970s, contributing to their 1976 Gulf South Conference Championship.
The foundation of Coach Wilson’s coaching career was built in the Florida High School ranks, where he spent eight impactful years in Pensacola and Ft. Walton Beach. During this time, he had the privilege of coaching future stars such as Derrick Brooks, Danny Wuerffel, and E.G. Greene, alongside countless other dedicated players who contributed to his early success.
The arrival of Dave Wilson signals a new and exciting chapter for the Lighthouse Christian College Makos football program. His wealth of experience, championship pedigree, and proven ability to identify and develop talent make him an exceptional addition to the Mokos leadership. We eagerly anticipate the impact he will have on our student-athletes and the future of Lighthouse Christian College football.
Welcome to the Lighthouse College Makos Family, Coach Wilson!
