Eddie Robinson Award 2024
T.C. Taylor: Leading Jackson State into a New Era
T.C. Taylor stepped into the head coach role at Jackson State University after the departure of Deion Sanders, who left to take over the University of Colorado. Taylor, a former player and long-time assistant at Jackson State, has a deep understanding of the program’s culture and legacy. His transition into the role of head coach has been seamless, as he has quickly embraced the challenge of keeping the Tigers competitive and building on the success that Jackson State experienced under Coach Prime.
Taylor, who played quarterback at Jackson State, brings both experience and familiarity to the program. His coaching philosophy is built around strong fundamentals, creating a high-powered offense, and ensuring that his players are prepared mentally and physically to compete at the highest level. He’s focused on continuing Jackson State's rise to prominence within the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and HBCU football at large, while emphasizing the importance of education and personal growth for his players.
Taylor's leadership style emphasizes player development and community involvement. As a coach who understands the significance of HBCUs in fostering a sense of pride and identity, Taylor is dedicated to instilling discipline and a work ethic that transcends the football field. Jackson State fans have high expectations for Taylor, who is determined to keep the program competitive and continue attracting top-tier talent to the school.
Chennis Berry: The Architect of South Carolina State's Resurgence
Chennis Berry was named head coach of South Carolina State University (SCSU) after a successful tenure as the program’s offensive coordinator. Having previously been a player at SCSU, Berry knows what it means to represent the institution and the surrounding community. His appointment marked a new chapter for a program with a rich football history but one that had fallen on hard times in recent years.
Berry’s philosophy focuses on establishing a balanced, efficient offense and a tough, hard-hitting defense. Under his leadership, SCSU has seen a renewed sense of pride and energy. He works closely with his players, instilling a culture of accountability and teaching them how to succeed on and off the field. His ability to develop quarterbacks and fine-tune offensive schemes has helped improve the team’s overall performance, and the Bulldogs have shown improvement under his guidance.
Berry also places a premium on building relationships with his players. He is committed to developing young men who are prepared for life beyond football. Through his leadership, SCSU is gaining momentum and looks poised to compete for championships in the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference). Fans of South Carolina State are optimistic about the future under Berry’s direction, as he continues to lay the groundwork for sustained success.
Eddie George: A Legendary Player Turned Head Coach at Tennessee State
Eddie George’s transition from NFL superstar to head coach at Tennessee State University has been one of the most intriguing stories in college football. George, who had a Hall of Fame-worthy career as a running back for the Tennessee Titans, brings an entirely different perspective to the role of head coach. His experience at the highest level of football has helped him connect with players, especially as he instills a professional mindset and discipline in the Tigers’ program.
Since taking the helm at Tennessee State, George has been focused on building a winning culture, both on and off the field. His approach is rooted in discipline, team-building, and preparing his players for life after football. While George’s NFL pedigree draws national attention to the program, he has worked hard to ensure that the emphasis at Tennessee State is on development, both academically and athletically.
George is committed to improving Tennessee State’s competitive standing in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) and the larger landscape of HBCU football. His ability to recruit top-tier talent and his leadership skills have energized both the program and the local community. George’s high-profile name has brought increased visibility to Tennessee State, but his success will ultimately be measured by wins on the field and the positive impact he has on his players’ lives.
T.C. Taylor, Chennis Berry, and Eddie George are more than just football coaches—they are leaders who understand the significance of their roles in the larger context of HBCU athletics. Each coach brings a unique background and perspective to their program, but all share a common commitment to fostering excellence on and off the field.
These coaches recognize the importance of preserving the tradition and pride of HBCUs while also pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in college football. They are not only shaping the future of their respective programs but also contributing to the continued prominence of HBCUs in the national football landscape.
The visibility of HBCU football has grown significantly in recent years, thanks in part to the increased attention brought by coaches like Deion Sanders, Eddie George, and others. Taylor, Berry, and George are part of a new wave of coaching talent that is helping to elevate the level of play and competition within HBCU football. As the 2024 season progresses, fans of Jackson State, South Carolina State, and Tennessee State will continue to see these coaches develop their teams, making their mark in the larger world of college football.