Southern football is once again facing a pivotal moment.
After Terrene Graves fire Heading into the 2025 season, the search begins for a head coach who can rebuild the Jaguars into a SWAC powerhouse.
Athletic Director Roman Banks needs to select a leader capable of unifying the fan base and rebuilding a streak that competes with the best programs in the SWAC and FCS.
Here are nine names that might surface of the south Search:
1. Chennis Berry (South Carolina State Head Coach)
Berry gained national attention by turning Benedict College into a D-II juggernaut before joining South Carolina State. In just one season as Bulldogs coach, Berry led the program to a meac title and a trip to the holiday bowl. Berry was previously South’s offensive coordinator for seven seasons (2013-19), a span in which the Jaguars won all-Southwest Athletic Conference and three West Division titles.
2. Trei Oliver (head coach, North Carolina Central)
Oliver has won a meac-strength celebration at North Carolina Central and has consistently turned it around by taking on one of the best defensive fields in the FCS. His proven program-building ability and recruiting success make him a take-home candidate if he was a former Southern assistant.
3. Quinn Gray (head coach, Albany State)
Albany State’s continued growth and offensive streak as a former Famu quarterback makes him a candidate to watch. Recruiting ability and player attitudes can translate smoothly to the FCS level.
4. Fred McNair (former head coach, Alcorn State)
The current intermediate trainer is one of the most respected trainers available. He proved his coaching ability by leading Alcorn State to a SWAC East championship and a SWAC title. But with Southern as the offensive coordinator, the Jaguars struggled mightily.
5. Broderick Fobbs (former HC, Gramling State)
Fobbs knows the SWAC championship scene well. His leadership-oriented approach and understanding of SWAC football dynamics could earn him another opportunity. He spent eight seasons at Grambling State, where he won three SWAC West championships, two conference titles and a holiday bar.
6. Maurice Flowers (head coach, Johnson C. Smith)
Flowers has made Johnson C. Smith one of the top programs in the CIAA and Region II football. His rebuilding ability should be a valuable asset to the south.
7. Dr. Alvin Parker (Head Coach, Virginia Commonwealth)
Parker, a divisional department of the Commonwealth of Virginia, combined discipline with explosive crime to become a departmental force. The ability to maximize the limited resources required to thrive on the South mirrors.
8. Torenzo Quinn (Jackson State Defensive Coordinator)
Quinn, 38, has been Jackson State’s top-flight defense since joining the staff in 2023. Last year, the Tigers were second in defense and yards allowed. So far this season, the Tigers’ defense ranks second in both categories. Quinn was an assistant coach at Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Alcorn.
9. Chris Barnette (Offensive Coordinator, Alabama State)
Barnette brings Alabama State’s offense to life in 2025. The Hornets are currently averaging a SWAC-leading 39.5 points per game. Known for innovation and adaptability, he served as an offensive assistant at South Carolina State and Winston-Salem State before becoming the offensive coordinator at North Carolina A&T. During his tenure, Meac was a catalyst in the Aggies’ offense, a celebration bowl, and a program that won an HBCU national championship.
