James Webster, Jr., has tendered his resignation as Tennessee State University’s head football
coach effective November 19, 2009, the date of the final game of the regular season.
Webster, who was hired in January 2005, will end his tenure as head coach of the Tiger football
program with a five-year record of 25-31. Webster made the announcement of his resignation to
his team following TSU’s 21-10 win against Eastern Illinois University on Thursday, November 19.
A national search for his replacement will begin immediately.
“We want to express our appreciation to Coach Webster for the work he has done while guiding
the Tennessee State University football program,” said Athletics Director Teresa Phillips. “He
instilled discipline and an ethic of hard work in the student athletes under his charge.” Phillips
continued, however, “We feel it is best to move in another direction with the TSU football program.”
Phillips went on to emphasize, “Our football team’s decorum on and off campus as well as in the
classroom has been notably positive, and there have been no problems following and complying
with the rules of the institution, the Ohio Valley Conference or the NCAA. He promoted discipline
among the players and graduation rates for team members have been solid.” Phillips concluded,
saying, “We wish Coach Webster much success in his future endeavors.”
