Wakil Atig
Managing Editor
Earlier this week, Jackson State University Athletics announced that head football coach John Hendrick’s contract would not be renewed. This past season under Hendrick’s leadership, the team went 6-9 overall and 5-5 in conference play.
A statement on JSU’s Athletics website from AD Ashley Robinson read: “In consultation with President Hudson and after a thorough review and evaluation of all aspects of our football program, I have decided that a change in leadership is in the best interest of our program and university. I want to thank Coach Hendrick for the hard work he has done with our football program. I wish John much success in the future.”
According to the statement, TC Taylor and Otis Reddley will lead the program on an interim basis.
Taylor currently serves as the Offensive Coordinator. According to JSU’s athletics’ website, Taylor was a former JSU player from 1998-2001, Taylor joined the Jackson State coaching staff in January of 2019. He has coached at North Carolina Central for five years as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator.
He also coached for two seasons (2012-13) at Texas Southern University as wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator.
No information could be found on Reddley.
JSU football has had its ups and downs in the past and it is clear that winning is their top priority going forward. With the fall season being postponed until the spring, JSU fans and students are beyond excited to see what the JSU Tigers have in store.
The SWAC division looks to open things back up for the football season in the spring, but nothing is guaranteed.
JSU students had mixed opinions about the coaching change and the outlook for the football team.
“Football season is the highlight of college in my opinion, besides graduating. It ignites school pride and gives students, alumni, and fans a common interest that can’t be discovered anywhere else. So not having a season in the fall is kind of debilitating, but I have high expectations for the Tigers. JSU has the best football team in the SWAC conference and I know we will do big things in the spring,” said Taronta Gines, a senior accounting major from Moss Point, Miss.
Kimiya Lewis, a junior elementary education major from Chicago, Ill., is staying positive about the head coaching position change.
“I’m not sure why the change of coach now, but I’m staying positive for JSU. The Tigers have a long tradition of winning and I just hope whoever lands the head coaching job can uphold the torch. We have some great players on our team and I just cannot wait for next season to start,” said Lewis.
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