Tuscaloosa Native To Lead Stillman College's Inaugural Women's Flag Football Team

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Stillman College on Monday announced it has selected alumnus Deon Washington to lead its inaugural women's flag football program.

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Washington was introduced as the first head coach in program history as the Tigers prepare to launch women's flag football in spring 2027, coinciding with the inaugural national championship season sponsored by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Stillman became the first NAIA institution in Alabama to add women's flag football when the college announced the new program in December 2025.

The sport will become the Tigers' 12th active intercollegiate athletic program.

"Coach Washington will be instrumental in building the program's foundation," Stillman Athletic Director Terrance Whittle said in a statement. "He brings the leadership, energy and commitment needed to create a culture that reflects the values of Stillman College."

Washington returns to his alma mater after serving the past three seasons as head football coach at Greensboro High School.

Before his time at Greensboro, he was an assistant coach for the inaugural girls flag football teams at Central High School during the 2021-22 seasons while also assisting the school's football and baseball programs.

"This is an exciting opportunity to begin the women's flag football program at Stillman College," Washington said. "As an alumnus, this makes the opportunity even more special."

A 2004 graduate of Central High School and a 2013 graduate of Stillman College, Washington began coaching football at age 19.

He worked with Central's offense from 2005 to 2010, including the Falcons' 2007 Class 4A state championship team.

While attending Stillman, Washington assisted the Tigers football program with film breakdown and opponent analysis.

After graduating, he served as an assistant coach for running backs under former Stillman head coach Teddy Keaton in 2014 and 2015.

Washington has coaching and educational experience at Westlawn Middle School, East Sunflower Elementary School in Mississippi, Eastwood Middle School, Tuscaloosa City Schools and Jefferson County Schools.

He is also the brother of Dennis Conner, a member of the Stillman Athletics Hall of Fame who served as defensive coordinator for the Tigers during the first decade of the program following its revival in 1999.

The NAIA expects more than 60 institutions to compete in women's flag football when the sport begins championship competition in 2027.

Stillman says it will host its first women's flag football open tryout and prospect camp July 11 from 10 a.m. until noon at Stillman Football Stadium.

Prospective players can register by contacting Washington via email at d.washington@stillman.edu.

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