Derwin Wilson begins his first season as Texas Southern's cornerbacks coach and defensive pass game coordinator. Wilson brings nearly two decades of coaching experience and a championship pedigree built on elite defensive play, player development, and producing Division-I talent throughout Texas and Louisiana.

A native of Arcadia, La, Wilson starred in football and was a four-year starter. Playing quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back, he helped win the school's only district championship in football during his senior year. Wilson played collegiate football at Grambling State University before beginning his coaching career at his alma mater, Arcadia High School. From there, he steadily built a reputation as one of the top defensive back developers in the region through coaching stops at Woodlawn High School, North Dallas High School, John Horn High School, Duncanville High School, Calvary Baptist Academy, and Timberview High School.  

Throughout his coaching career, Wilson has consistently produced elite secondaries and currently has 12 former defensive backs playing Division-I football. He has been influential in helping sign Division-I football players at every high school where he has coached, with players earning scholarships to conferences including the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big 12 Conference, American Athletic Conference (AAC), Sun Belt Conference, and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), along with several other Division-I conferences across the country.

His coaching résumé includes developing collegiate and professional standouts such as Donovan Wilson formerly of the Dallas Cowboys and former Baylor University standout Henry Black, who later played for the Green Bay Packers.  

Wilson was a member of back-to-back Texas UIL 6A-D1 State Championship staffs at Duncanville High School in 2022 and 2023. In 2022, his defensive back unit helped lead an undefeated 15-0 state championship season while allowing just 10 points per game and zero passing touchdowns during the regular season. In 2023, Duncanville captured another state title with a 14-1 record while holding opponents to only 13 points per game and recording 15+ interceptions.  

Known for aggressive, turnover-driven defenses, Wilson’s secondaries have repeatedly ranked among district leaders in interceptions, scoring defense, and takeaways. His 2025 Timberview defensive backs led the district in interceptions and interception returns for touchdowns while recording 20+ interceptions as a team and producing four All-District defensive backs.   During his tenure as Defensive Coordinator at Woodlawn High School under current TSU assistant Jerwin Wilson, Wilson coordinated multiple district-leading defenses in total defense, sacks, interceptions, and scoring defense.

One of his most dominant seasons came in 2013 when his defense allowed only 13 points per game while leading the district in total defense, sacks, interceptions, and scoring defense. That secondary recorded more than 25 interceptions and produced an All-State defensive back in Donovan Wilson.   In 2016, his defense captured a district championship, finished undefeated in district play, and led the district in total defense and scoring defense while returning four interceptions for touchdowns.  

Wilson has also worked elite collegiate football camps with Louisiana State University, Texas A&M University, Baylor University, and University of Alabama, gaining experience alongside some of college football’s top defensive minds.  

Wilson earned both his Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Master of Science in Sports Administration from Grambling State University.  

Wilson is also a proud father to his son, Daylen, who currently plays football for Texas Southern University, and his daughter, Kaylee. He takes tremendous pride in mentoring and developing young athletes both on and off the field while continuing to build lasting relationships with players and families throughout his coaching career.

Coaching Stints

• Timberview High School – Defensive Backs Coach (2025–2026)
• Calvary Baptist Academy – Pass Game Coordinator / Defensive Backs Coach (2024–2025)
• Duncanville High School – Defensive Backs Coach (2022–2024)
• John Horn High School – Defensive Backs Coach (2021–2022)
• North Dallas High School – Defensive Backs Coach (2019–2021)
• Woodlawn High School – Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Backs Coach (2011–2019)
• Arcadia High School – Offensive Coordinator / Defensive Backs Coach (2007–2011)

Coaching Accomplishments

• 2× Texas UIL 6A-D1 State Champion (2022, 2023)  
• 2024 LHSAA Division III Select State Semifinalist  
• 2017 LHSAA Quarterfinalist (Elite 8)  
• 2016 LHSAA Regional Finalist  
• 4× District Champion Coach (2012, 2016, 2022, 2024)