Bill Dee, whose 35-year football-coaching career included a five-year stint at Old Dominion as offensive line coach and defensive coordinator, lost his battle with cancer Thursday night. He was 63.
“When I was hired in February 2007 the first coach I went to visit with was Bill Dee. He commanded that level of respect in the high school football community. He had an incredible coaching career and was loved and respected by his players and fellow coaches,” ODU Head Coach Bobby Wilder said. “What Bill accomplished this year at Oscar Smith High School while battling cancer was truly remarkable. Clearly one of the best coaching jobs any of us has ever witnessed. We are all heartbroken with his loss and we send our heartfelt sympathies to his loving wife Margaret and his wonderful daughter Katie. Bill will be missed and remembered.”
Dee spent the majority of his career at the high school level, compiling a 256-78-1 record over 29 seasons. He led Phoebus High School to four state championships.
After two years as an assistant at Christopher Newport University, Dee joined coach Bobby Wilder’s staff at Old Dominion in 2011 where he spent time as offensive line coach and defensive coordinator.
In 2016 Dee took over at Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake where he led the Tigers to a 13-2 record and a berth in the 2016 Class 6A state championship game.