Grambling head coach Doug Williams announced the hiring of Dennis “Dirt” Winston as the team’s defensive coordinator in a video interview with GoGrambling.com posted on Friday.
Winston leaves Arkansas-Pine Bluff where he served as the school’s defensive line coach since 2010.
More on Winston courtesy UAPB athletics:
Winston was an assistant for the Toledo Rockets (MAC) for four seasons. He coached linebackers from 2001-02 and the defensive line the last two seasons while at Toledo.
Winston left Toldeo to join the professional ranks as a member of the Edmonton Eskimos (CFL) coaching staff in 2005 coaching the defensive line.
During his playing days Winston played linebacker at the University of Arkansas from 1973-76, and was selected to the Razorbacks’ All-Century Team in 1994. He was drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round of the NFL draft in 1977.
He played eight seasons with the Steelers (1977-81, 1985-87), including Super Bowl victories in 1978 and 1979. He also played three seasons with the New Orleans Saints from 1982-84.
Prior to his stint at Toledo, Winston was an assistant coach at Arkansas (1997-98), Grambling (1992-94, 1995-97), Norfolk State (1994-95) and Arkansas State (1989-91).
Below is Williams video interview in its entirety.