Willie Watson

Willie Watson was elevated to Associate Head Basketball Coach at UNA in March of 2023. He is in his sixth season at North Alabama, previously serving as an assistant coach. He came to UNA after serving as an assistant for one season at Kentucky Wesleyan. Watson also coached at the University of Texas-Grand Rio Valley, the University of Alabama and Marion Military Institute. He served as an assistant coach as well as the head coach at Marion Military.

In five seasons at North Alabama, Watson has helped the Lions reached the post-season each year, including four straight ASUN Tournament appearances during the school's transition to the Division I level. UNA also appeared in the 2021 ASUN championship game. During Watson's tenure, UNA has had seven all-conference selections, including five on the ASUN All-Freshman Team, the 2019 ASUN Freshman of the Year and one ASUN All-Academic pick. He was also invited to participate in the 2020 TopConnect Virtual Seminar, which identifies the top basketball assistant coaches in the country.

As the interim head coach at Marion Military Institute in 2012-13, he lead his team to a win over the No. 1 team in the region while coaching two all-conference and one all-region player. He was an assistant coach the previous season, helping the team to a program best 21-9 record while coaching three all-conference and all-region players, including the Player of the Year.
 
Watson was at Alabama from 2005-to-11, initially as a manager before walking on to the team and helping the Crimson Tide to 20 wins and the second round of the NCAA Tournament as a freshman. Watson then returned to his managerial duties, becoming the head manager before earning a promotion to Graduate Assistant upon the completion of his undergraduate degree. During his time there, Watson helped the team to over 100 wins while supervising 11 managers and implementing travel arrangements for more than 60 student-athletes. He also assisted coaches with recruiting, practices, games, team camps and daily office assignments. Watson contributed to the recruiting of four top-25 classes and helped Alabama to the 2011 SEC West Championship and NIT Finals.
 
Watson earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Alabama in May of 2009 and his Master of Science in Sports Management in May of 2011. He also earned graduate certificates in conflict management, negotiation and mediation.