Tomekia Reed, Eddie George Set The Record Straight On HBCU Coaching

The latest round of commentary from Ed Reed and others motivated JSU women's head coach Tomekia Reed to voice her opinion on HBCU coaching.

From Pop Warner to Little League, and from junior high and high school, coaches had a significant role in developing boys and girls in the black community. In most cases, the coach was the first to give structure and consistent discipline to the point where they were revered on the level of a grandparent, preacher, or school teacher. 

Grambling State coach Eddie Robinson takes a hard look at his team s first-half effort against Tennessee State at Vanderbilt s Dudley Field Oct. 8, 1983. Coach Robinson team was down 7-0 most of the game until they scored a touchdown with time running out for a 7-7 tie, spoiling the Blue Blue s homecoming festivities. Credit:© Ricky Rogers / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

If you crossed the line, parents or teachers would threaten, "don't let me call your coach!" They would help to restore order at home or in the classroom. An HBCU coach was at the pinnacle of respect in the black culture. Today, there's a subtle shift.  

However, several prominent coaches have maintained their integrity and respect for the role amid the complaints and viral videos of negativity.

HBCU coaches Tomekia Reed and Eddie George weighed in on the latest round of negativity surrounding coaching at HBCUs following Ed Reed's viral videos and Deion Sanders' subsequent interviews after leaving Jackson State.

"Coaching at an HBCU is not for the weak," Tomekia Reed wrote. "You're going to fight battles internally and externally. And if your program experiences any type of success, it will be even harder. I chose to come back for the fight. To truly even the playing field and do something that's never been done."

Tennessee State Coach Eddie George runs out onto the field to celebrate with the players after they stopped Jackson State at their own goal line during the Southern Heritage Classic between Jackson State and Tennessee State on Saturday, September 10, 2022, in Memphis, Tennessee. © Chris Day/The Commerical Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Tennessee State Coach Eddie George runs out onto the field to celebrate with the players after they stopped Jackson State at their own goal line during the Southern Heritage Classic between Jackson State and Tennessee State on Saturday, September 10, 2022, in Memphis, Tennessee. © Chris Day/The Commerical Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK

The tone and level of disrespect celebrity head coaches exhibit for HBCUs is troubling. Traditions and precedents in poorly administered environments must change, and most of the commentary has merit. Still, the tone and manner displayed a dishonor for HBCUs across America.

Reed continued her thoughts: "You have to earn stripes to speak publicly about this struggle. If you aren't willing to roll up your sleeves, make a difference and demand others to respect us, not by words but by actions, then get out of the way. We got something to do! Our work here is bigger than us."

Hiring high-profile coaches is a practice that has been around for HBCUs. Today's challenge for athletic directors and administrators is to placate coaches and stay out of their scrutiny via social media and other channels. A few seem entitled, but not all.  

Over recent years, the latest crop of HBCU coaching hires of previous NFL and NBA professionals were: Deion Sanders, Eddie George, Hue Jackson, Reggie Theus, Mo Williams, and Ed Reed. They had one common trait; they lacked HBCU pedigree like Trei Oliver, Eric Dooley, or Eddie Robinson Jr. 

Most came for PWIs and did not understand the years of systemic barriers HBCUs have been a part of in our society.  

Coach Eddie George responded to Ed Reed's rant while on the Rise & Grind Podcast. "And you know, it's frustrating. You know, he didn't understand exactly what he was getting himself into" coaching an HBCU.

Deion Sanders and Ed Reed have voiced their disdain for the working conditions, and in Sanders' case, he sought to make situations better for his players and staff. Unless you are willing to get your hands dirty, work, and develop our young student-athletes, keep the complaints and criticisms to yourselves. Better yet, keep it within the family.

STEM NOLA founder and author Dr. Calvin Mackie (Morehouse alum) shared his thoughts with me, "These caricatures have been coddled, groomed, placated and exploited by PWIs since they have shown physical prowess, and now want to present themselves as experts on HBCUs and Black people."

It's a complex topic. The HBCU story has endured for over a century and will continue to make strides today and after the recent diatribes from disgruntled former stars.

What's next for the coaches whose former experience and backgrounds could promise a wealth of wisdom for HBCU sports programs?

We shall see.