Curt Newsome has stepped down as Emory & Henry College's head coach, the school announced Tuesday. Health reasons were the reason cited for Newsome's departure.
"It's been a true honor to coach at my alma mater and has been a dream of a lifetime," said Newsome. "This has been a difficult decision, but I have to focus on my health and family at this time. Melinda and I appreciate everyone's support and well wishes as I continue my treatments."
Newsome spent the past 10 seasons at Emory & Henry, a Division II school in Emory, Va.
In those 10 seasons, Newsome went 53-42 with six winning campaigns. He won the Old Dominion Athletic Conference's coach of the year award after his debut season of 2014 after leading the Wasps to an 8-2 record. Newsome also took the Wasps to the ODAC championship game in the 2021 spring season. Newsome also guided the program in its transition from the Division III ODAC to the South Atlantic Conference of Division II.
Newsome was an accomplished high school coach before joining the college ranks. He won a collection of Coach of the Year honors from various organizations in the Virginia high school ranks, which earned him a job as James Madison's staff in 1999. Newsome spent seven seasons coaching Virginia Tech's offensive line from 2006-12 before returning to JMU in 2013, then ultimately took the E&H job in 2014.
"Curt has been a formidable coach to generations of football players who have graduated and moved on to successful careers and growing families," said Emory & Henry President John W. Wells. "His influence throughout the region to those he worked with including coaches, referees, athletic and training staff I'm sure is immeasurable. We wish him all the best toward gaining positive health outcomes."
Wide receivers coach Quintin Hunter has been named interim head coach for the 2024 season.
"Having coached Quintin at JMU and having him on staff here at E&H, he has my full endorsement and support to lead our football team forward," added Newsome. "He will serve our program well."
The Wasps open the season Aug. 31 against Glenville State.
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