Courtesy of Morgan State Athletics
BALTIMORE, Md. – Morgan State University’s football program has made a major addition to its coaching staff. On Tuesday, the team announced the hiring of Apollo Wright as their new offensive coordinator. He fills a critical position on third-year coach Damon Wilson’s staff.
“I’ve known Coach Wright for over twenty years and he is very knowledgeable and passionate about the game of football,” said Wilson. “Coach Wright believes in ensuring that student-athletes are prepared on and off the field. He is detail-oriented and looks to bring an exciting style of offense to MSU.”
Wilson added, “Coach Wright has worked with some really good minds in football and I think he is a great fit at our University. He is also known as a great recruiter and evaluator of talent. We are thankful to have the opportunity to bring him to our Bear Family.”
“Coach Wilson and his staff have done a great job of pointing the program in the right direction,” said Wright. “I’m extremely honored and blessed to have the opportunity to take the next step with this football program.”
The 48-year-old Wright comes with a lengthy resume in the game, including an impressive 22 years of assistant coaching experience at both Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) programs in college football, Wright brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. His experience at both levels of competition also gives him a unique perspective and understanding of the game, making him valuable to Coach Wilson’s team.
Prior to joining the Damon Wilson staff at Morgan State, Apollo Wright spent the last two seasons as the head coach at Fernandina Beach High School (Fla.). During his time there, he was able to develop his coaching skills and leadership abilities, leading the team to multiple victories and establishing a strong program.
Wright previously worked as an assistant coach at New Mexico and Florida International.
Wright spent seven seasons as an assistant at New Mexico, where he coached running backs, quarterbacks, and filled the role of special teams coordinator. Prior to that, Wright coached for six seasons at Florida International University in Miami, Florida.
A Pennsylvania native, Wright spent the early part of his career in the Philadelphia area, including a six-year run as running backs coach at Villanova. While there, he coached former NFL standout running back Brian Westbrook.
Wright had a standup prep career at George Washington High School in Philadelphia. As a 1998 graduate of Cheyney University in Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Leisure Service, Wright lined up at quarterback for the Wolves during his career (1994-98). With his impressive performance both in the classroom and on the field, Wright left a lasting impact on Cheyney University and the Wolves football program.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Wright continued his pursuit of higher education by earning a Master’s Degree in Education from Wagner College in 2001.
Wright was active in Nassau County, where he published the Amelia/Yulee Neighbors magazine and served on the board of directors of the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce.
Wright and his wife, Melanie, are the proud parents of three sons: Michael and Jayden are twins, and their youngest son, Mason.