HBCU Boards Dissent Over Recent Head Football Coach Hirings

Recent hiring decisions for head football coaches have clashed with the boards of trustees, regents, and supervisors of HBCU institutions.

HOUSTON — Hiring head football coaches in the Southwestern Athletic Conference has become contentious between athletic departments and member institutions' boards of trustees or regents. 

The hiring process at Texas Southern University, Southern University, and Alcorn State University is under scrutiny by board members, alumni, and fans. 

Recent drama has been exacerbated by the involvement of coach Fred McNair, who is at the center of a dispute between Texas Southern and Alcorn State. This highlights a dysfunctional and incohesive relationship between athletic departments and the board of trustees.

Andre Johnson and Fred McNair; Credit: USA Today Sports and Kyle T. Mosley, HBCU Legends

The coaches and student-athletes are caught in the crossfire of the athletic directors and boards.  

For example, in the December 14th Southern University System Board of Supervisors meeting, board member Attorney Tony Clayton said the following about the hiring process:

"I find that this process was flawed. I don't think it's indicative the way we should operate at Southern University. This has nothing to do with coach Graves and or his character...this administration hasn't ceased to shock me with some of the actions that emanate from the head of this campus." He continued, "I think we, as fiduciary, as the responsible people to this university, has to make sure that these taxpayers' money is being met...No. It's not about the coach, but it's about the process..."I'm not impressed with the way this administration handled this search. It leaves a lot to be desired."

Boards have a civic and financial responsibility to schools, while Athletic Directors oversee sports programs and support student-athletes. Unfortunately, there has been a growing problem of disunity and miscommunication between these entities. These issues surrounding the coaching hiring process have digressed into public relations nightmares for these storied institutions of higher learning.

Texas Southern Board of Regents; Credit: Texas Southern University

The recent developments that occurred due to the Texas Southern Board of Regents members' disagreement in approving a head football coach's contract have not only caught the attention of Texas Southern and HBCU fans but also the nation. Moreover, potential recruits and their families are keeping an eye on the matter rather closely. National signing day was Dec. 21, although several players committed to the Tigers' program. However, this pales compared to recent years of signings under former head coach Clarence McKinney.

Andre Johnson was an outstanding collegiate and professional athlete who deserves to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but does he possess the qualifications to lead as a head football coach? The answer is no under the State of Texas and the coach job description. Perhaps the dissenting TSU Board members may view Johnson as a potential draw for resources, funding, and corporate sponsorships, which could benefit the university.

A resolution for Coach McNair and the opened Texas Southern head coach position may not come forth until after the Christmas holiday season. Nevertheless, a fundamentally sound resolution must be the answer, and turning away from McNair could become more legally problematic for Texas Southern in the long run.

South Carolina State handled the hiring process smoothly when they selected Chennis Berry as their new head coach. Berry had also been considered for positions at Texas Southern and Southern.

UPDATE: Texas Southern's Head Football Coach Search Drama