Albany State University has announced the appointment of David Bowser as its new Head Football Coach, a decision made public by President Dr. Robert Scott and Athletic Director Dr. Kristene Kelly on Wednesday. This move aims to build upon the existing momentum of one of NCAA Division II’s most competitive football programs.
“Albany State football has experienced tremendous momentum, and our focus is on sustaining that success while continuing to grow as an institution,” Dr. Scott said. He expressed confidence in Bowser’s ability to lead the program, citing his leadership, experience, and vision as essential qualities for aligning with the university’s goals of growth, accountability, and excellence.
Bowser arrives at Albany State with over two decades of experience in collegiate athletics, having held various roles as a coach, administrator, and program builder at the NCAA Division II level. Most recently, he served as Special Assistant to the Head Football Coach, Director of Player Personnel, and Linebackers Coach at Johnson C. Smith University. Under his guidance, the Golden Bulls achieved significant success, including capturing the CIAA Football Championship for the first time in over 50 years.
In his previous role, Bowser was instrumental in roster management and recruitment strategies, overseeing essential operational functions while ensuring academic accountability and compliance. His efforts contributed to the program’s notable non-conference victory over Valdosta State, highlighting his capability to compete against nationally recognized Division II opponents.
The evolving landscape of college athletics necessitated a leader with the ability to operate as a “CEO” of the program, as described by Dr. Kelly. She noted, “Coach Bowser has demonstrated success operating within that change, navigating Division II football through roster management, multiple recruiting pathways, academic accountability, and the realities of the transfer portal.”
Prior to his tenure at Johnson C. Smith, Bowser served as both Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Saint Augustine’s University. There, he managed significant operational changes within the athletics department, overseeing twelve NCAA Division II programs and leading fundraising initiatives. As head football coach, he focused on enhancing academic progress and generating external support through targeted fundraising efforts.
Bowser’s extensive experience includes nearly two decades at Fayetteville State University, where he was Associate Head Football Coach and linebackers coach, contributing to multiple CIAA championship teams and helping student-athletes advance to professional football careers.
Dr. Kelly emphasized Bowser’s recent experience within championship-caliber Division II programs, stating it reflects a clear understanding of what it takes to win at this level while building a sustainable model for long-term success at Albany State.
A former student-athlete at North Carolina State University, Bowser holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership. He is recognized for his ability to balance competitive excellence with academic accountability and program sustainability.
“I want to thank President Dr. Robert Scott, Director of Athletics Dr. Kristene Kelly, and the entire administration at Albany State University for the trust and confidence they’ve placed in me to lead this great football program,” Bowser stated. “I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to build on the legacy and tradition of this first-class institution and its outstanding football program.”
As Bowser prepares for his new role, he will focus on relationship-building, program assessment, and preparations for the upcoming spring season. A full introductory press conference and community welcome is scheduled for January, following the winter break. Bowser will officially start his duties as Head Football Coach on January 5, 2024, pending the completion of standard university processes. In the meantime, Coach Anthony Kelly will continue to serve in an interim capacity.
