Could This Coach Transform Prairie View A&M Into A Football Powerhouse?

Tremaine Jackson is an outstanding head coach, but could he be the transformative leader the Panthers seek?

Tremaine Jackson / Credit: Valdosta State Athletics

HOUSTON — Prairie View A&M is seeking a transformative leader for its head coach position — introducing Coach Tremaine Jackson. He's a hot name on the coaching circuit and rumors link him to the Panthers' opening. Also, Jackson's on the verge of winning the 2024 NCAA Division II National Championship with Valdosta State (13-0).  

On Saturday, the Blazers will meet Ferris State in the national championship game in McKinney, Texas. If Valdosta State wins, it will be the eighth national championship in the school's history, and Jackson will hoist his first major title as a head coach.  

Rumors about Jackson and Prairie View began when athletic director Anton Goff decided against renewing Coach Bubba McDowell's contract after the season finale. Goff immediately initiated a national search for a new head football coach with Collegiate Sports Associates (CSA).

"We're looking for someone experienced," Director of Athletics Anton Goff told HBCU Legends in November. "They don't have to be a head coach. We definitely want somebody who is familiar with recruiting or can put a staff together to recruit in the Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio areas. We're looking for a leader. Someone who's going to bring discipline. Someone who wants to ensure they can take this program to the upper echelons of not just the SWAC, but FCS football."

Based on that statement, Coach Tremaine Jackson checks all of the boxes.   

Tremaine Jackson / Credit: VSU Athletics

The Prairie View A&M football program could become a formidable powerhouse with excellent facilities, a notable stadium, and a great educational system. It is near the Houston metropolitan area, which makes it an attractive position for most coaches with growing families.

Jackson's former mentor, Coach Johnnie Cole, stated, "He understands the NCAA rules and the significance of scholarships. He's an excellent position coach and a good recruiter. He knows how to turn over the rocks to find the best players. Also, he can find those transfer players who can impact a program. He knows how to find them."

As a head coach, Jackson would bring a wealth of experience, proven success, and a deep understanding of HBCU culture as a former Texas Southern player and assistant coach.

Goff also said in our first discussion about the head coach job, "I don't let outside noise pressure me to make decisions." Recently, he noted, "It's an ongoing process, and everyone will know when I choose the new head coach."

Should Prairie View A&M appoint Tremaine Jackson as their next head football coach, the hiring could begin a new era for the Panthers, propelling them to the forefront of the SWAC West division, conference, and FCS football.

A Track Record of Excellence

Jackson's coaching career is a testament to his ability to build winning programs:

• Undefeated Season: Led Valdosta State to a perfect 13-0 record in 2024, reaching the NCAA Division II Semifinals.
• Historic Achievement: Became the first black coach to win the Gulf South Conference championship in 2023.
• Consistent Success: Amassed an impressive 30-8 record over three seasons at Valdosta State.

This remarkable success at Valdosta State, coupled with his overall 40-11 record as a head coach, demonstrates Jackson's capacity to elevate Prairie View A&M to new heights.

HBCU Roots and Defensive Mastery

Jackson's deep connections to HBCU football and his defensive expertise make him uniquely qualified to lead Prairie View A&M:

• HBCU Background: Played and coached at Texas Southern University, giving him invaluable insight into the HBCU experience.
• Defensive Genius: Led Texas Southern's defense to a No. 1 ranking in FCS football in 2011.
• Proven Turnaround Artist: Orchestrated one of the nation's most significant defensive improvements at Texas Southern, Abilene Christian, and Valdosta State.

Developing Talent and Building Character

Jackson's ability to nurture talent extends beyond the field:

• Academic Excellence: Coached two Academic All-Americans at Colorado Mesa.
• All-Conference Performers: Guided 21 players to All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference honors.
• Community Focus: Emphasized community service, accumulating thousands of hours with his Valdosta State team.

National Recognition and Future Potential

Jackson's national acclaim positions him as a coach on the rise:

• Coach of the Year: Named 2024 AFCA Division II National Coach of the Year.
• Rising Star: Recognized by ESPN as one of 45 minority coaches under 45 to watch.
• NFL Connections: Participated in the NFL's Bill Walsh Minority Fellowship with the Steelers and Jaguars.

The Perfect Fit for Prairie View A&M

With Prairie View A&M's ambition to ascend to the "upper echelon of SWAC and FCS football," Tremaine Jackson emerges as the ideal candidate to lead this charge.

Expect the following under a Jackson-led program:  

• A revitalized defense capable of dominating the SWAC
• Increased national visibility and recognition
• Enhanced player development, both on and off the field
• A strong community presence aligning with the university's values

With his proven track record and visionary leadership, Jackson could be the driving force to elevate Prairie View A&M to the forefront of HBCU and FCS football, establishing a lasting legacy of excellence for years to come.