Dwayne Taylor is entering his third season as the Braves cornerback’s coach.

Taylor returns to the reservation after spending the past two seasons at Norfolk State. While with the Spartans, he mentored four athletes who earned All-MEAC honors: Brandon Savage (’21 first team), Justin Toler (’21 second team), R.J. Coles (’22 second team), and Joseph White (’22 third team). In 2021, Taylor’s defensive backfield tied for first in the MEAC with 14 interceptions.

Before his time at Norfolk State, Taylor served as the running backs coach and video coordinator at Holmes Community College in Goodman, Mississippi, during the 2020 season. At Holmes, he was responsible for all passing plays in the weekly game plan, oversaw film exchange, and acted as the Bulldogs’ Louisiana recruiting liaison. Three of his running backs went on to earn offers from four-year schools.

Taylor also gained experience at the NAIA level with stints at Texas Wesleyan University and Trinity International University. At Texas Wesleyan (2018–2019), he was the receivers coach and recruiting coordinator, helping the program average over 30 points per game in 2019 and developing NAIA All-American receiver Brandon Rolfe. At Trinity International (2016–2017), he coached defensive backs while also serving as co-defensive coordinator and return game coordinator. He played a key role in doubling the team’s win total in his first year and mentored all-conference defensive back Jarell Carter, who later signed contracts with three different NFL teams.

Taylor began his coaching career at the high school level in Mississippi and Louisiana, with stops at Natchez High School (Miss.), St. Helena Central High (La.), Delta Charter School (La.), and Wilkinson County High School (Miss.).

A former Brave himself, Taylor was a two-year starter at safety and special teams captain at Alcorn State. He earned honorable mention All-SWAC honors in 2007 and recorded six career interceptions. He graduated from Alcorn State in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in recreation.