CHASING A DREAM: CHARLES LONDON

In 1996, I was hired as the first General Manager of Disney’s Wide World of Sports, now called ESPN Wide World of Sports. Opening any venue, especially a new venue at Walt Disney World, is quite an experience (I have had the good fortune of being involved in the opening of Cleveland Browns Stadium in 1999 and MetLife Stadium in 2010).

Many people were hired, from full-time and part-time staff to interns. One intern caught my eye, as I strongly believe in first impressions. Charles London graduated from Duke University in May 1997 and found his way to Disney’s Wide World of Sports the following September. When I met Charles, I was impressed with his presence and confidence. I had the opportunity to observe Charles closely, and I admired and respected him.

Charles was raised in Dunwoody, Georgia, and was a star running back at Dunwoody High School. He was recruited to play football at Duke University and once again excelled as a running back. During his internship at Disney’s Wide World of Sports, I asked him what he does with his spare time on weekends during the fall season. He told me he was a football fan and watched every game he could. I asked him about his long-term goals and he said he eventually wanted to be a football coach or a collegiate athletic director.

The Cleveland Browns hired me in January 1999, as the first Stadium Manager of Cleveland Browns Stadium. The stadium was in the final stages of construction, and the first event would be a preseason game in August. I had to put a team together and fast. The first person I thought of was Charles London. I called Charles and offered him the job of Assistant Stadium Manager, and he responded by saying, he did not know anything about managing a stadium. I told him, neither did I when I decided to leave a career in the United States Navy in 1987 to work as the Assistant Director of Stadium Operations at Yankee Stadium, but that I would teach him.

I gave him twenty-four hours to decide, and he accepted my offer.

The following is Charles’ career path since he graduated from Duke University.

Sports and Entertainment Facilities and Event Management Career

• ESPN Wide World of Sports (1997).
• Events Intern
• Sports Field Manager
• Cleveland Browns Stadium (1999): Assistant Stadium Manager..
• Foxborough Stadium/Gillette Stadium for the New England Patriots (2001): Director of Stadium Operations. He was directly involved in transitioning from the old to the new stadium.

Football Career

• He returned to Duke as a Graduate Assistant in 2004, earning his graduate degree before becoming the full-time Running Backs Coach at Duke University in 2006.
• Chicago Bears (2007): Offensive Assistant/Quality Control Coach.
• Philadelphia Eagles (2010): Pro Scout.
• Tennessee Titans (2011): Offensive Assistant/Quality Control Coach.
• Penn State (2012): Running Backs Coach/Recruiting Coordinator. He worked with Penn State Head Coach Bill O’Brien (2005 - 2006) as a Graduate Assistant at Duke University.
• Houston Texans (2014): Running Backs Coach. Bill O’Brien hired Charles when he was named the Head Coach.
• Chicago Bears (2018): Running Backs Coach.
• Atlanta Falcons (2021): Quarterbacks Coach.
• Tennessee Titans (2023): Pass Game Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach

I firmly believe that Charles’ next job will be as an Offensive Coordinator, ultimately becoming a Head Coach of a National Football League team.

My first impression of Charles was spot on! H demonstrated resilience, persistence, and professionalism throughout his journey. I know his father, Charles, mother, Ida, and his sister, Deanna, are very proud of him. My family and I are very proud of him as well.

I will always root for Charles and the teams he coaches, except the National Football Conference East Division teams, since I am a fan and work with the New York Football Giants.

Go Charles and Go Titans!

Posted September 19, 2023