Football
Woodson, Marcus
Marcus Woodson
- Title:
- Assistant Coach - Defensive Backs
- Email:
- tigers@memphis.edu
- Phone:
- 901-678-5119
VIDEO: Coach Woodson Mic'd Up
Marcus Woodson is in his first season at Memphis in 2016, bringing more than a decade of coaching experience to his position as the Tigers defensive backs coach. In his previous collegiate coaching stints at Fresno State, Charleston Southern and Millsaps College, Woodson developed 10 all-conference players.
“Marcus is coming to us from Fresno State, where he was recognized as one of the top recruiters in the nation,” head coach Mike Norvell said. “He and his wife, Chastity, are originally from Mississippi, and Marcus played defensive back at Ole Miss.
“When I think about Coach Woodson, I immediately think of relationships – from the way he coaches as well as the way he recruits. He understands the aggressive style of play that we’re going to have in the defensive backfield coaching our corners. He will be a tremendous asset to our program, and his recruiting ties to the state of Mississippi will assist us in bringing top prospects to Memphis.”
Prior to joining the Memphis staff, Woodson spent two seasons as the defensive backs coach at Fresno State. In 2014, he mentored All-Mountain West Conference first-team defensive back Derron Smith, who was an NFL Draft sixth-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals. Woodson also instrumental in helping lead Fresno State to a 2014 Hawaii Bowl appearance.
From 2009-13, Woodson served as the defensive backs coach at Charleston Southern University. He added the defensive passing game coordinator title before the 2012 season. In 2013, Charleston Southern finished the campaign with a 10-3 record and a No. 22 national ranking under first-year head coach Jamey Chadwell. The Buccaneers finished the season with the nation’s No. 3 pass defense. In his five seasons at Charleston Southern, Woodson developed five All-Big South Conference players.
Before his time in Charleston, S.C., Woodson served an integral role in leading Millsaps College to three-consecutive Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) championships from 2006-08. In 2008, Millsaps finished with an 11-1 record and a No. 12 national ranking. In his three seasons at the Jackson, Miss., school, Woodson coached four All-SCAC performers.
Before jumping to the coaching ranks, Woodson was a two-year starter at defensive back during the David Cutcliffe era at Ole Miss. He was a member of Rebels teams that earned four postseason trips to the Independence Bowl (1999), Music City Bowl (2000), Independence Bowl (2002) and Cotton Bowl (2003).
A 2003 University of Mississippi graduate, Woodson earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. He also was selected for the Senior Leadership Unity Council.
Prior to his collegiate career, Woodson starred at Moss Point High School, where he earned Mississippi Class 5A All-State honors in 1996 and 1997. Woodson helped lead Moss Point to the Mississippi Class 5A state titles both seasons.
He and his wife, Chastity, have a son, Carter.
Marcus Woodson is in his first season at Memphis in 2016, bringing more than a decade of coaching experience to his position as the Tigers defensive backs coach. In his previous collegiate coaching stints at Fresno State, Charleston Southern and Millsaps College, Woodson developed 10 all-conference players.
“Marcus is coming to us from Fresno State, where he was recognized as one of the top recruiters in the nation,” head coach Mike Norvell said. “He and his wife, Chastity, are originally from Mississippi, and Marcus played defensive back at Ole Miss.
“When I think about Coach Woodson, I immediately think of relationships – from the way he coaches as well as the way he recruits. He understands the aggressive style of play that we’re going to have in the defensive backfield coaching our corners. He will be a tremendous asset to our program, and his recruiting ties to the state of Mississippi will assist us in bringing top prospects to Memphis.”
Prior to joining the Memphis staff, Woodson spent two seasons as the defensive backs coach at Fresno State. In 2014, he mentored All-Mountain West Conference first-team defensive back Derron Smith, who was an NFL Draft sixth-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals. Woodson also instrumental in helping lead Fresno State to a 2014 Hawaii Bowl appearance.
From 2009-13, Woodson served as the defensive backs coach at Charleston Southern University. He added the defensive passing game coordinator title before the 2012 season. In 2013, Charleston Southern finished the campaign with a 10-3 record and a No. 22 national ranking under first-year head coach Jamey Chadwell. The Buccaneers finished the season with the nation’s No. 3 pass defense. In his five seasons at Charleston Southern, Woodson developed five All-Big South Conference players.
Before his time in Charleston, S.C., Woodson served an integral role in leading Millsaps College to three-consecutive Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) championships from 2006-08. In 2008, Millsaps finished with an 11-1 record and a No. 12 national ranking. In his three seasons at the Jackson, Miss., school, Woodson coached four All-SCAC performers.
Before jumping to the coaching ranks, Woodson was a two-year starter at defensive back during the David Cutcliffe era at Ole Miss. He was a member of Rebels teams that earned four postseason trips to the Independence Bowl (1999), Music City Bowl (2000), Independence Bowl (2002) and Cotton Bowl (2003).
A 2003 University of Mississippi graduate, Woodson earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. He also was selected for the Senior Leadership Unity Council.
Prior to his collegiate career, Woodson starred at Moss Point High School, where he earned Mississippi Class 5A All-State honors in 1996 and 1997. Woodson helped lead Moss Point to the Mississippi Class 5A state titles both seasons.
He and his wife, Chastity, have a son, Carter.
Football: Jordon Hankins Press Conference-September 10, 2025
Wednesday, September 10
Football: Brendon Lewis Press Conference-September 10, 2025
Wednesday, September 10
Football: Tim Cramsey Press Conference-September 9, 2025
Tuesday, September 09
Football: Georgia State Recap Presented By Memphis Toyota Dealers-September 9, 2025
Tuesday, September 09
