Anthony Byrd is entering his first season as an Assistant Running Backs Coach with the Battling Bishops football program. A Rose Hill, North Carolina native, Byrd joins the Wesleyan staff after a decorated playing career as one of the most productive running backs in program history.
Byrd was a two-time All-Conference selection in the USA South and earned D3football.com All-Region honors in 2024. That same season, he was named North Carolina Wesleyan’s Male Athlete of the Year after rushing for 1,340 yards and ten touchdowns on just 203 carries. He added another 132 yards and two scores as a receiver, while recording six games of 100 or more rushing yards, including a career-best 218-yard performance against Southern Virginia. He was also recognized as USA South Offensive Player of the Week following his 192-yard, multi-touchdown effort against Averett.
During the 2023 season, Byrd rushed for 751 yards and eight touchdowns, ranking among the top backs in the conference and helping power an offense that saw major statistical gains nationally. Over his career, he finished second all-time at NCWU in rushing yards and attempts, cementing his place among the most accomplished players in program history.
Head Football Coach Jeff Filkovski praised Byrd’s transition into coaching, saying,
“Anthony epitomizes what it means to be a Bishop—tough, dependable, and driven. He came back for a fifth year with something to prove, and he absolutely delivered. His leadership and production set the tone for our team all season long. This is a natural next step for him, and we are excited to have him on staff mentoring the next generation of Bishop running backs.”
Byrd graduated from North Carolina Wesleyan University with a degree in Business Administration. He now returns to the program in a coaching capacity, bringing the same work ethic, toughness, and leadership that defined his playing career.
