In a recent interview, new Jackson State Head Football Coach T. C. Taylor discussed program goals while firmly focused on continuing the championship legacy. The former JSU quarterback and wide receiver (1998-2001) played professionally before moving into the coaching ranks in 2005, and has been on the Jackson State football coaching staff since 2019.Taylor, who holds the school record for most receptions in a season, is motivated to continue the greatness of JSU Football by winning on the field and in the classroom while fostering an excellent football culture. Taylor is ready for the new chapter of Tigers’ football and gave us insight into the vision for the future.As the new coach, what is your vision for the future of the program? How do you plan to build upon the existing success?Our vision for the program is to continue to win, to continue to graduate our student-athletes on a yearly basis, and to recruit the top talent in the country. We want to continue bringing in dominant football players who can come in and help us win championships. That’s what we’re going to continue to do moving forward.Are there any particular challenges or areas of concern you anticipate encountering as the new coach, and how do you plan to address them?Right now, we have to find a quarterback. We’re focusing on that. We’ve had a lot of turnovers in the roster with the transfer portal and many guys moving on. However, we have a lot of new talent here and we are continuing to improve the chemistry of our football team. I think that’s the biggest thing, that these guys can come together on a day-to-day basis, and if so, we’ll be fine going forward.JSU Head Football Coach T.C. Taylor.What are your short-term and long-term goals for the program, and how will you measure success?Our short-term goal is to take it day-to-day and understand the assignment. There are a lot of expectations here as the head coach at Jackson State, so I’m going to try to win one day at a time. Our long-term goals are to continue to win championships and graduate our student-athletes.How do you plan to handle the pressure and expectations that come with coaching the JSU football program that has a celebrated legacy of success?I don’t believe in pressure. (The expectiations) are what it was when I accepted the job. That’s what it’s all about; winning football games. I’m a winner. I love to win, so that’s the expectation. To say pressure, I don’t talk about pressure. I know it comes with the territory. I played in it, I grew up in it, so I get it.With the transfer portal becoming more prominent, how do you approach recruiting and player retention in this new landscapeIn regards to retention, you want to make sure to take care of the players you have in-house. You talk to them about that once you bring them into the JSU Tiger family. You talk to the parents as well. You have to get to know the parents. They play a big role in these student-athletes’ lives. We’re going to continue to use the transfer portal. Kids are going in daily, weekly; it seems like. So, we’re going to be in there daily, weekly as well. We will continue to use the transfer portal and work on keeping the guys we do have here by treating them right and ensuring their stay at Jackson State is one of a kind. We’re looking to grow our alumni base, and that’s among the things the transfer portal can affect. You want to make sure while you have those student-athletes on campus that you’re doing right by them.
