Winston-Salem State appears ready to turn to one of its own to lead the football program into a new era.
Multiple outlets — including Football Scoop and HBCU Gameday — reported Thursday (Dec. 4) that the Rams are expected to hire former WSSU quarterback and Hall of Famer Tory Woodbury as the program’s next head coach. The university’s Board of Trustees has a scheduled meeting Friday, which could finalize the move.
If the hire becomes official, Woodbury would replace Robert Massey, who resigned last month after six seasons. Massey went 25-34 at WSSU with one winning season (7-3 in 2024).
A Winston-Salem Native Returning Home
Woodbury is a familiar name across the Triad and among followers of North Carolina CIAA football. A Winston-Salem native and Glenn High School graduate, he walked on at Winston-Salem State before developing into one of the most decorated quarterbacks in program history.
He led the Rams to back-to-back CIAA championships in 1999 and 2000, finished his career with 4,500+ passing yards, 1,000+ rushing yards and 60 total touchdowns, and broke 13 school records.
WSSU expected to name Super Bowl winner and Michael Vick's assistant at Norfolk State Tory Woodbury as its head coach. The hire would represent a full-circle moment for the Winston-Salem native.
Story: https://t.co/0BMt5hN2i5 pic.twitter.com/cEVVRttSbC — HBCU Gameday (@HBCUGameday) December 4, 2025
Woodbury went his entire junior season without throwing an interception and was named Black College National Player of the Year in 1999. He also earned two Pioneer Bowl MVP awards and left as the school’s all-time passing leader at the time.
His dominance earned him induction into both the Winston-Salem State Hall of Fame (2008) and the CIAA Hall of Fame (2016).
Pro Career and Coaching Journey
Woodbury played eight seasons professionally after signing with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2001. His NFL career included time with the Jets, New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills, where he contributed at quarterback, wide receiver and special teams.
After his playing career, Woodbury transitioned into coaching and has made numerous stops across multiple levels. Most recently:
- 2025: Special Teams Coordinator & Assistant Head Coach at Norfolk State under first-year head coach Michael Vick
- 2024: Special Teams Coordinator / Tight Ends Coach at Howard
- 2023: Special Teams Coordinator for the XFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks
He has built a reputation for player development, special teams innovation and strong mentorship — traits WSSU officials are likely banking on to stabilize and elevate the program after a decade of watching rival CIAA schools like Fayetteville State and Johnson C. Smith ascend.
Deep Community Ties
Beyond football, Woodbury has long been active in Winston-Salem. In 2002 he launched the Tory Woodbury Foundation, which provides school supplies, clothing and meals to underprivileged children in the community.
Program at a Crossroads
Winston-Salem State finished 4-6 (2-5 CIAA) this fall, its fifth losing season in six years and below expectations of most. A return of one of its most celebrated players signals a potential reset — and a chance to reconnect the program with its championship past. WSSU’s last CIAA championship came in 2016. The Rams have not been back to the title game since then.
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