HBCU Football Faces Coaching Turnover Challenges

Ed Reed has expressed a strong desire to become a head coach in HBCU football, having previously held a brief and controversial tenure at Bethune-Cookman University that ended without a contract renewal. His aspirations echo a broader trend within HBCU football, where the coaching landscape has shifted dramatically, with 16 of the 21 Division I programs changing head coaches since 2022. The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) has undergone particularly significant turnover, with only one of the original 12 coaches remaining in their positions as of December 2024. Several coaches have been dismissed or resigned, often linked to new athletic directors seeking immediate results. Amidst this turmoil, discussions about the role of mentorship among assistant coaches highlight their lasting impact on players' lives. The coaching carousel at HBCUs reflects both the competitiveness of the sport and the need for programs to adapt strategically to changing leadership.