Bethune-Cookman knew there was realistic possibility that Brian Jenkins could take another job being one of most sought after coaches in the country.
It is why, after Jenkins bolted for Alabama State, B-CU officials are confident they can quickly hire a replacement.
In fact, athletic director Lynn Thompson said B-CU could name a new head coach by the end of the week at the earliest.
“We have focused in on a few people who have what we feel it takes to be our next head coach,” Thompson told the News-Journal. “This is not a cattle call.”
“We are so appreciative of the impact that Brian had on our university and community through his leadership of our football program, and the five years that he was here will go down as an exciting and successful era to be celebrated,” said B-CU president Dr. Edison O. Jackson. “I have full confidence that our director of athletics and his staff will identify the next head coach to take us to even higher plateaus.”
Thompson said the three candidates for the position have ties to B-CU, and include a member of the current football staff, a coach from another school and what he described as “a wild card.”
“We are moving rapidly,” he said. “It could be within the next 48 or 72 hours. Within the week, Bethune-Cookman will have a new head coach on board and working. We are moving fast.”
Jenkins was 46-14 in five seasons at B-CU, with a 34-6 record in the MEAC.
“Our timetable is now,” said Thompson. “We intend to continue to excel in recruiting and to capitalize on the momentum of winning three consecutive MEAC crowns. B-CU Football is a highly-respected program with a standard of winning conference championships. Our next head coach will accept these expectations and implement a plan to surpass those accomplishments.”