Marshall Faulk Named Southern University Football Coach

HBCU athletics are getting a major boost with the hiring of legendary NFL players, and Marshall Faulk is the latest to join the ranks. Southern University has officially introduced the NFL Hall of Famer as its 22nd head football coach, bringing a powerful winning mentality to the Jaguars’ gridiron.

A Winning Message for the Jaguars

At his introductory press conference on December 1st, Faulk shared a simple yet impactful message: “Winners win.” This sentiment underscores his approach as he takes the helm, just two days after the Jaguars secured a thrilling 28-27 victory over Grambling State in the 52nd annual Bayou Classic at the Caesars Superdome.

Faulk, who officially becomes the 22nd man to lead the Southern University football program, joins a growing trend of former NFL stars transitioning into college coaching roles, following in the footsteps of figures like Michael Vick at Norfolk State and DeSean Jackson at Delaware State. As a first-time college head coach, Faulk acknowledges that questions about his coaching abilities are inevitable.

Facing Expectations and Building the Team

When asked about expectations, Faulk responded with characteristic humility and confidence: “You know, and I know this is my first head coaching job. You can’t give answers to anything like that. You know, it’s like anything else, just wait and see. Time will tell.” His immediate tasks include assessing his players, assembling a coaching staff, and implementing strategies to elevate the team’s performance.

Despite the team finishing the past season with a challenging 2-10 record, Faulk holds high expectations for himself and the program. He quoted, “I also understand to whom much is given, much is expected.” Faulk expressed a lack of fear, reiterating his core belief: “Winners win. And if you’re a winner, then you win. And at every level, somehow, some way, I found a way to find the win, and that’s what we’re going to do.”