1. T.C Taylor - Jackson State Tigers: Taylor was a standout wide receiver at Jackson from 1998-2001, where he set single-season records with 84 receptions for 1,234 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior. In 2002, he signed with the New England Patriots after going undrafted, but he didn't make the final cut roster, so he was signed to the practice squad and was released in October 2002. He resigned in January 2003 and was sent to NFL Europe for two months. He was released again in July 2003. He was later signed to the Detroit Lions, but injuries ended his career, so he transitioned to coaching. In 2005, he started coaching at the junior college level (Coahoma Community College), where he was the wide receiver and quarterback coach. He was the offensive coordinator for Texas Southern, North Carolina Central(where he helped contribute to a 2016 MEAC Championship), and returned to Jackson State in 2019 as tight end and wide receiver coach. In 2020, Jackson State hired NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, and Deion named him offensive coordinator. Tyler helped contribute to back-to-back SWAC Championships in 2021 and 2022. In December 2022, Deion left Jackson for Colorado, and he made Taylor the next head coach.

Coaching Stats:17-6(.739 winning percentage). In 2023, 7-4(5-3 SWAC). In 2024, 12-2(8-0 SWAC), including the SWAC Championship and HBCU National Championship.

Accolades: 2024 SWAC Coach of the Year, led Jackson State to 2024 SWAC Championship and HBCU National Championship.

2. Terrence Graves-Southern Jaguars: Graves played safety at Winston-Salem State, earning First-Team All-CIAA honors in 1992 and leading the team to back-to-back CIAA titles (1990-1991). Terrance has 30 years of coaching experience; he was defensive coordinator for Norfolk State, Mississippi Valley State, Grambling State, and Southern. In 2023, he came to Southern as special team coordinator and linebacker coach before becoming interim head coach in late 2023. He became the permanent head coach in 2024.

Coaching stats: 10-4(.714 Winning Percentage).Interim(2023):2-0. 2024:8-5 (7-1 SWAC)

Accolades: 2024 SWAC West Division Champion; won 2023/2024 Bayo Classic, coached All SWAC Performers, and FCS Linebacker

3. James Colzie III, Florida A&M Rattlers

Colzie played cornerback at Florida(1993-1996), earning All-ACC Honorable Mention, and helped win a National Championship in his freshman year. Colzie played in the NFL for a brief period with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He started his coaching career at his old high school, where he coached high school football and baseball in Miami. After that, he began coaching for NCAA Division II school FIU(2000-2003 as co-special team coordinator and comeback coach) and Valdosta State Blazers(2007-2008 as special team and defensive back coach, where he helped them win the NCAA Division II Championship). In 2016, he was hired as the Saint Mary's University Coach from 2016 to 2021. He joined FAMU as assistant head coach and Cornerback coach in 2022, where he helped contribute to the 2023 SWAC Championship, and in 2024, he was named head coach.

Coaching Statistics: 30-24(.556 winning percentage) Saint Mary’s 23-19 FAMU(2024) 7-5(5-3) SWAC

Accolades: He led Saint Mary’s to two AUS Championship appearances, 2023 SWAC Champion(AHC), and HBCU National Champion. He coached four Players of The Year and 20 All Conference selections at Saint Mary’s, FHSAA Hall of Fame inductee for high school coaching(basketball).

4. Eddie Robinson Jr., Alabama State Hornets

Eddie Robinson Jr, son of legendary Grambling coach Eddie Robinson Sr., played linebacker at Alabama State(1988-1991). He earned All-SWAC honors twice and the SWAC Defensive Player of Year in 1990 and 1991. He had an 11-year NFL career(804 tackles,23 sacks) with teams like the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Buffalo Bills. After retiring, he coached high school football before returning to Alabama State as head coach in 2022.

Coaching Statistics: 20-14(.588 winning percentage), SWAC:<a href="http://14-10.in/"> 14-10, In 2022:6-5 In 2023: 7-4, In 2024: 7-5

Accolades: SWAC Hall of Fame inductee, two-time SWAC Defensive Player of the year; as coach, improved Alabama State’s home attendance to top-FCS levels; consistent winning records in competitive divisions.