Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are making major moves in the world of college football coaching. A trend that started with NFL legend Deion Sanders taking over at Jackson State has quickly caught fire, with more and more former pro players making the leap to lead HBCU programs. The latest stars to join the ranks are DeSean Jackson at Delaware State and Michael Vick at Norfolk State, but they certainly won’t be the last.
The Deion Sanders Effect
When Deion Sanders was named the head coach of Jackson State in 2020, it sent shockwaves through the college football world. Coach Prime immediately put HBCU football on the map in a major way, landing top recruits and leading the Tigers to back-to-back SWAC championships. His success story proved that HBCUs could compete at the highest level with the right leadership at the helm.
I believe Deion has changed the game for HBCUs. He showed that we can win championships, get national exposure, and send kids to the league just like the big schools. It’s about leveling the playing field.
Eddie George, Tennessee State head coach
Following in Prime’s Footsteps
Inspired by Deion’s trailblazing path, a new wave of former NFL stars are now stepping up to lead HBCU programs:
- DeSean Jackson, the speedy former Eagles receiver, is the new head coach at Delaware State
- Michael Vick, the dynamic ex-Falcons QB, takes over at Norfolk State
- Eddie George, the bruising Titans running back, enters his third year at Tennessee State
- Cris Dishman and Bubba McDowell, former NFL DBs, are the coaches at Texas Southern and Prairie View A&M
These coaching hires are a game-changer for HBCUs, which have long struggled to match the resources and exposure of larger FBS programs. By bringing in recognizable faces with NFL pedigrees, these schools are attracting more talent, more fans, and more media attention than ever before.
Opening Doors for the Next Generation
For young black football players, seeing NFL legends coaching at HBCUs sends a powerful message. It shows them that they can achieve greatness and make it to the pros without sacrificing their cultural identity or heritage. HBCUs offer a unique experience that celebrates black excellence both on and off the field.
As a kid, I never really considered going to an HBCU. But now, with Coach Prime, Coach Vick, all these NFL guys coming to coach, it’s like hold up, maybe I need to take a closer look. They’re changing the narrative.
Travis Hunter, former Jackson State cornerback and No. 1 recruit in the nation
The rise of NFL stars coaching at HBCUs is still in its early stages, but the impact is already being felt. As more pro players make the transition to the HBCU ranks, expect to see a seismic shift in the college football landscape. History is being made at these storied institutions – and this is only the beginning.
The Future Is Bright
With the successes of Sanders, George and others, the floodgates have opened for more HBCU coaching hires. Current NFL stars like Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill and former Panthers safety Tre Boston have already expressed interest in coaching at an HBCU once their playing days are over. As more big names enter the pipeline, the level of talent and exposure for these programs will only continue to grow.
It’s an exciting time for HBCU football as the sport stands on the precipice of a new golden age. NFL legends are recognizing the opportunity to make a real difference by mentoring the next generation of black football talent. When sporting icons unite with academic and cultural trendsetters, the combination is unbeatable. As the HBCU coaching ranks swell with household names, these programs are poised to reclaim their rightful place at the forefront of college football. The future has never looked brighter.
