During his tenure he coached the special teams, defensive backs, and linebackers.
[1] In 2000, Tillar was hired as the special teams coordinator and linebackers coach for Elizabeth City State.
[3][4] In thirteen seasons as head coach he led the team to a 69–68 record including two trips to the NCAA Division II playoffs.
[5] From 2006 to 2012 he led the team to five Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association division titles.
His best season came in 2006 when he led the team to a 9–3 record, a trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs, and a final ranking of 21 in the AFCA poll.