Ollie Wilson’s reputation for developing top-flight running backs added yet another to the stable in 2011 as Ryan Mathews rushed for a team-leading 1,091 yards. Mathews and Mike Tolbert gave the Chargers a solid one-two punch on the ground as the duo combined for 14 rushing touchdowns. They also proved adept in the passing game, combining for 104 catches, 888 yards and two additional scores.
With Wilson back in the fold since 2008, the Chargers have scored 64 touchdowns on the ground while averaging more than 1,705 yards per season, including a high of 1,864 yards in 2011.
Wilson’s 21 seasons of NFL coaching have been split between San Diego and Atlanta. He made inroads to the NFL by participating in the NFL’s Minority Coaching Internship Program with both the Houston Oilers and Falcons.
A native of Worcester, Mass., Wilson played football, basketball, baseball and ran track at Doherty High Schools. From there it was off to Springfield College where he became an honorable mention All-America wide receiver and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education.
Wilson began his NFL coaching career with the Falcons in 1991. During his first six seasons in Atlanta, Wilson coached three 1,000-yard rushers, including the late Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, a Pro Bowler in 1995. During his second stretch in Atlanta, the Falcons rushed for an NFL-best 13,994 yards and set several team rushing records, including single-season rushing yards (2,939 in 2006) and touchdowns (23 in 2002).
Wilson is married to his wife, Nadine.
Ollie Wilson’s Coaching Experience
1974 — Wide Receivers, Springfield College
1975-82 — Offensive Coordinator, Northeastern University
1983-90 — Running Backs, University of California-Berkeley
1991-96 — Running Backs, Atlanta Falcons
1997-01 — Running Backs, San Diego Chargers
2002-07 — Running Backs, Atlanta Falcons
2008-12 — Running Backs, San Diego Chargers
Ollie Wilson’s reputation for developing top-flight running backs added yet another to the stable in 2011 as Ryan Mathews rushed for a team-leading 1,091 yards. Mathews and Mike Tolbert gave the Chargers a solid one-two punch on the ground as the duo combined for 14 rushing touchdowns. They also proved adept in the passing game, combining for 104 catches, 888 yards and two additional scores.
With Wilson back in the fold since 2008, the Chargers have scored 64 touchdowns on the ground while averaging more than 1,705 yards per season, including a high of 1,864 yards in 2011.
Wilson’s 21 seasons of NFL coaching have been split between San Diego and Atlanta. He made inroads to the NFL by participating in the NFL’s Minority Coaching Internship Program with both the Houston Oilers and Falcons.
A native of Worcester, Mass., Wilson played football, basketball, baseball and ran track at Doherty High Schools. From there it was off to Springfield College where he became an honorable mention All-America wide receiver and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education.
Wilson began his NFL coaching career with the Falcons in 1991. During his first six seasons in Atlanta, Wilson coached three 1,000-yard rushers, including the late Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, a Pro Bowler in 1995. During his second stretch in Atlanta, the Falcons rushed for an NFL-best 13,994 yards and set several team rushing records, including single-season rushing yards (2,939 in 2006) and touchdowns (23 in 2002).
Wilson is married to his wife, Nadine.
Ollie Wilson’s Coaching Experience
1974 — Wide Receivers, Springfield College
1975-82 — Offensive Coordinator, Northeastern University
1983-90 — Running Backs, University of California-Berkeley
1991-96 — Running Backs, Atlanta Falcons
1997-01 — Running Backs, San Diego Chargers
2002-07 — Running Backs, Atlanta Falcons
2008-12 — Running Backs, San Diego Chargers
