Jackson State relieves Harold Jackson of head coach duties, names McCall Interim head coach

Jackson State University announced today that Harold Jackson has been relieved of his head coaching duties. Assistant Coach Derrick McCall has been named as the interim head coach.

“Jackson State is a tradition-rich school and our athletics have always been an important aspect of university life. We want to continue that spirit of improvement. In making this decision I considered both the recommendation of our interim director of athletics and responses from alumni and students,” said Carolyn W. Meyers, president of Jackson State University.

“We have worked well with and fully supported Coach Jackson. We honor and love him and wish him success in his future endeavors. Coach McCall has already proven his commitment to Jackson State as demonstrated by his work with our players,” Meyers added.

The 2015 season is the eighth for McCall as a member of the JSU football coaching staff. This season marks his fourth as wide receivers coach, however from 2012-14 he served as the offensive coordinator for the Tigers.

Wheeler Brown, interim director of athletics, said, “This was a difficult decision for me to make knowing how hard Harold Jackson worked here to make this a winning program. He is a man of high character and integrity. Although it has been disappointing how we have started this season, I am confident that we can improve with the talent we have on our roster.”

McCall said he is grateful for the opportunity to serve.

“I want to thank Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers and Mr. Wheeler Brown for giving me the opportunity to lead the JSU football team for the remainder of this season,” said McCall. “I also want to thank Coach Jackson for allowing me to be part of his coaching staff.”

Prior to coming to JSU as a coach, McCall served as associate head coach/offensive coordinator at Shaw University, where he helped lead the Bears to a CIAA Championship and a historic NCAA Division II playoff berth in just two seasons. He also served as interim head coach for the Tuskegee University football program and was part of a SIAC Championship and a Pioneer Bowl Championship.

“I am confident that we can field a very competitive team for the rest of this season,” McCall said.

McCall had a successful collegiate career as a quarterback at Jackson State (1979-82) as he helped lead the Tigers to two SWAC titles and two NCAA Division I-AA playoff berths.

Following a bye week, the Tigers return to action Oct. 17 when they travel to Huntsville to play Alabama A&M.